WISCONSIN — While October is typically known for its fall colors and cooling temperatures, history shows that measurable snowfall is not uncommon in Wisconsin during the month.
Records from the National Weather Service (NWS) indicate that several areas of the state have experienced snow as early as the first half of October, with northern regions most likely to see accumulation.
Climatological data show that northern Wisconsin, including cities such as Rhinelander, Wausau, and Ashland, has a long history of early-season snow.
In many years, light snowfalls have been recorded as early as the first week of October, though accumulation is generally minimal. The earliest measurable snowfall on record for parts of northern Wisconsin occurred in late September or early October, depending on location.
In central and southern Wisconsin, including cities like Madison and Milwaukee, October snowfall is less common but still possible. Historical records show that measurable snow has occasionally occurred in these regions, particularly in late October when colder air masses move southward.
For example, Milwaukee has reported measurable snow in October several times since official record-keeping began in the late 1800s. Madison and other areas across southern Wisconsin have also seen light accumulations during past Octobers, though most melt quickly.
According to NWS climate summaries, the likelihood of measurable snow increases steadily through October, especially in the northern half of the state. While snow that falls early in the season rarely stays long due to warmer ground temperatures, it serves as a reminder of Wisconsin’s transition into winter.
Overall, while October snow in Wisconsin is not a yearly occurrence statewide, it is a normal part of the state’s weather history. Residents, especially in higher elevations and northern counties, know that seeing snowflakes before Halloween is far from unusual.
