WISCONSIN — While no current forecast calls for a specific storm, historical weather data clearly show that it’s entirely possible for a winter storm in Wisconsin during February to drop a foot (12 inches) or more of snow in a single event.
Climatological Background
Wisconsin’s winter climate routinely produces significant snow, according to the National Weather Service. Based on long-term climate normals from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), many Wisconsin cities average near or above 10 inches of snow during February alone — even without any one storm dominating the month’s totals.
For example, in northern and Lake Superior shore areas, average February snowfall can exceed 12 inches. In places like Sturgeon Bay, Washington Island, and Bayfield, average February snow totals are about 12–15 inches or more.
Even in central and southern communities such as Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, average February snowfall commonly approaches 8–12 inches based on historical climate records.
Historical Storms of Significant Snow
Historical records illustrate that individual snowstorms well exceeding a foot have occurred in February:
- The 2011 Groundhog Day Blizzard: Several southeastern Wisconsin communities received just under or near 24 inches of snow over the course of the multi-day event, with Racine and Kenosha counties reporting nearly 24 inches during the Feb. 1–2 storm.
- Storms in the Early 20th Century: Records show that other storms have delivered 20 inches or more of snow in Wisconsin during February-season storms.
Although not every heavy February snowfall reaches 12 inches in a single 24-hour period, many storms have delivered totals in that range when measured over one or two days, especially where persistent bands of snow or lake-enhanced snowfall occurred.
Regional Variation Matters
Wisconsin’s size and geography mean snowfall can vary widely across the state:
- Lake-Effect and Lake-Enhanced Snow: Areas near Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are more prone to locally heavier snow due to cold air moving over relatively warmer water. This process can result in localized snow totals that significantly exceed statewide averages.
- Interior and Southern Wisconsin: While these regions typically see somewhat lower average February snowfall, they have still experienced historic heavy snowstorms in the past — demonstrating that a foot or more of snow doesn’t occur only near the Great Lakes.
Why a Foot of Snow Can Happen in One Storm
Meteorologically, a combination of a strong low-pressure system, sufficient cold air across the state, and ample moisture is needed for heavy snow. Wisconsin’s historical record shows such combinations have occurred repeatedly over the past century. Snowfall totals of 12 inches or more in a single storm are not unprecedented, and averages in many places during February approach that amount even without a single dominating storm.
In short, based on decades of climate records and documented historical storms, it is well within Wisconsin’s winter climate norm for a February storm to produce a foot of snow in one event.
