Rural Weather Extremes
Rural Weather Extremes
Preparing Wisconsin’s rural communities for amplified weather extremes
Wisconsin is projected to experience more frequent and intense extreme weather events. These events impact infrastructure, public health, agricultural systems, and more, resulting in significant economic losses and social disruption.
This project aims to build greater capacity in Wisconsin’s rural communities to prepare for extreme weather events. We work with local stakeholders to meet their needs with data, tools, and resources that will improve their ability to make informed decisions in advance of extreme weather events.
Who We Work With
Emergency Management, Hazard Planners and Public Health
Extreme weather is straining local emergency, planning, and public health systems. We’re working with officials across rural Wisconsin to understand evolving risks and improve preparedness. By combining local insights with climate data, we support more proactive, science-based planning and risk reduction.
Farmers and Agricultural Advisors
Amplified weather extremes are creating new challenges for Wisconsin’s farmers. We partner with producers and advisors to understand these impacts and co-develop tools that support more effective preparation and response across all types of agriculture.
Schools and Rural Youth
Amplified weather extremes are increasingly affecting youth in unique ways. We work with schools, youth programs, and young people to develop educational programming, build awareness and support proactive, youth-centered solutions.
Project News
Engage with Us
We are identifying counties, municipalities, school districts, agricultural organizations, and other community groups that experience extreme weather events including flooding, drought, extreme heat and cold, wildfires, high winds, and false springs. If your community is interested in participating in the project, contact Jackson Parr, Climate and Hazards Planning Educator with UW-Madison Division of Extension.
This project is funded through Dec. 31st, 2027. The project team is working closely to build long-term capacity and services within the Wisconsin State Climatology Office to address the extreme weather preparedness needs of rural communities across the state beyond the life of this project.