Considering the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee weather? Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, UWM experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Average annual temperatures hover around 49°F (9.5°C), with January highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows of 18°F (-8°C), bringing about 49 inches of snow yearly. Summers peak at 81°F (27°C) in July. This weather influences campus life, requiring preparation for blizzards, lake-effect snow, and occasional floods. Environmental factors like good air quality and low altitude add to liveability, rated highly for affordability and urban amenities. Natural hazards are manageable, with university protocols in place. Ratings show solid comfort for studies despite winter chill. Explore how Milwaukee's environment affects daily routines, costs, and health at UWM. For job opportunities, check higher-ed-jobs at AcademicJobs.com tailored for University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee positions, or browse Academic Jobs in Milwaukee, Academic Jobs in Wisconsin, and Academic Jobs in United States.
Milwaukee's weather features four distinct seasons shaped by Lake Michigan. Winters are cold with frequent snow, averaging 49 inches annually and temperatures from 30°F (-1°C) highs to 18°F (-8°C) lows in January. Summers are warm and humid, with July highs reaching 81°F (27°C) and about 3.5 inches of rain. Spring brings mild 50-60°F (10-16°C) days with showers, while fall offers crisp 60°F (16°C) weather turning colorful. Extremes include a record high of 105°F (41°C) and low of -26°F (-32°C). These patterns impact commuting and outdoor campus events at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, prompting students and faculty to plan for variable conditions. Lake breezes moderate extremes but enhance snow and humidity. For more on living here, see higher-ed-career-advice resources.
Cold and snowy: Highs 30°F (-1°C), lows 18°F (-8°C), 12+ inches snow/month. UWM closes for blizzards; safety protocols include plowing and alerts. Extra costs: Heating utilities $200+/month, winter coats/boots $300-500.
Mild/rainy: 50-65°F (10-18°C), 3-4 inches rain. Pollen rises; campus blooms. Prepare umbrellas and layers.
Warm/humid: Highs 81°F (27°C), lows 64°F (18°C), thunderstorms. Lake cools evenings; AC recommended for dorms.
Cool: 60-70°F (16-21°C) early, dropping. Foliage peaks; light jackets needed. Fewer disruptions.
These patterns affect studies with winter focus indoors and summer lake activities. Faculty note reliable snow removal. Check Rate My Professor for University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee insights on campus life.
At 587 ft (179m) altitude on glacial plains near Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has no volcanoes or seismic activity. Geology features flat limestone bedrock with lake-influenced microclimates. Air quality is good, averaging AQI 40 with PM2.5 at 9 µg/m³ yearly; occasional summer ozone from industry. This supports healthy living, though pollen and lake humidity can affect allergies. UWM provides wellness centers and monitors campus air. Low pollution density benefits outdoor research. Learn more via university-salaries for cost-of-living context.
| Hazard | Frequency | UWM Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Blizzards/Lake-effect Snow | Winter, 5-10/year | Closures, emergency alerts, plowing |
| Flooding (Storms/Lake) | Rare, 1-2/decade | Evacuation plans, sandbags |
| Thunderstorms/Tornadoes | Summer, occasional | Sirens, indoor shelters |
| Droughts/Fires | Very low | Standard fire drills |
UWM's emergency management app and drills ensure safety. No major risks like earthquakes. See higher-ed-jobs/faculty for secure career paths.
High ratings make Milwaukee ideal for job seekers; pair with Rate My Professor at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee reviews.
Winter gear (parka, boots, gloves) costs $400+, snow tires $800/set. Utilities rise $150/month in cold; insurance minimal extra. Summer: Fans/AC $100. Budget for umbrellas/raincoats. These add 10-15% to living costs but are offset by low rent. Visit free-resume-template for job prep in this climate.
Cold snaps increase flu risks; humidity aids skin but pollen triggers allergies. Lake air freshens commutes via bus/bike. Campus life thrives with indoor facilities. UWM health services offer flu shots, counseling for seasonal affective disorder. Transportation reliable despite snow. Explore professor-salaries for financial planning.
Stay informed for seamless studies. Check higher-ed-jobs/postdoc.
Students at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee often share how the weather in Milwaukee shapes their experience, with harsh winters testing resilience but fostering community during snow days. Many appreciate lake breezes cooling humid summers, aiding outdoor study sessions by the water. However, lake-effect snow can delay commutes, impacting focus—yet campus plowing keeps things moving. Reviews highlight how clean air quality Milwaukee supports jogging trails, boosting mental health amid rigorous courses. Faculty echo that seasonal changes inspire research on Great Lakes ecology. Many students discuss how the local climate impacts focus and productivity; read their detailed experiences alongside professor reviews on Rate My Professor at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. For more voices, visit Rate My Professor.
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