Summer Time Humidity (Appleton, Eau Claire, La Crosse: live, vs, move to)

[Martin K]

What is the humidity like during the summer in Western Wisconsin? I'm coming from Nashville, and the high humidity is one of things I most want to get away from. I'm looking in particular at La Crosse and Eau Claire. Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

[jdhpa]

Humidity is generally high anywhere east of the high plains. It's higher in some places than others, but if you want to get away from humidity look in the high plains or west of there. If you want dry, very roughly, starting from the Texas Panhandle and west will be fairly dry.

You'll note that Amarillo Texas and Rapid City South Dakota are above 3000 feet.

Good luck!

[ranger17]

As a life long Wisconsinite who lived in SC for a few years I’d give a general answer. Can a hot muggy day in WI feel like one in the south? Yes, at least close. But with the overall periods much shorter up here it is hard to compare over a long stretch. Personally I would say a WI summer isn’t anything like the south. Flip side of course come winter.
I’d also say it depends on what you prefer for a climate, we actually loved the southern climate as it meant no real winter. So perhaps spend a few days in the actually area you’d move to as there may be differences between Lacrosse being on the River vs Eau Claire more inland.

[dozerbear]

On July 13 1995 Appleton had an air temp of 101 degrees, with a dew point of 90 for a heat index of 148, the highest ever recorded in the United States.

[katharsis]

We moved from Colorado to Door County (northeastern Wisconsin) in late July last summer, and it was a surprise to unpack our clothing and find that most of it was damp (as well as the paperwork we packed). However, I don't remember that it was that big of a problem once everything was aired out and put away, and we love it here! Yes, Wisconsin has much higher humidity than we were used to, but it wasn't that bad and certainly not a problem for us. (Not sure if humidity varies much depending on what part of Wisconsin one is talking about, however.)

Best of luck to you!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Martin K

What is the humidity like during the summer in Western Wisconsin? I'm coming from Nashville, and the high humidity is one of things I most want to get away from. I'm looking in particular at La Crosse and Eau Claire. Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

Humidity is present in Eau Claire but it isn't anything like Nashville because it actually cools off at night most of the time in the summer in Wisconsin unlike areas of the Southeast that have far more oppressive humidity levels. Average high temperatures are also a factor, as western Wisconsin has average high temperatures from mid 70's to mid 80's most of the summer.

[Martin K]

Thank you to all who have replied. The information is helpful and very much appreciated.

[TRlaura]

I remember reading somewhere that once the corn stalks start to tassel, they release so much moisture that it actually raises the humidity levels throughout the state. It makes sense but I never really knew if it was true.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by TRlaura

I remember reading somewhere that once the corn stalks start to tassel, they release so much moisture that it actually raises the humidity levels throughout the state. It makes sense but I never really knew if it was true.

That is more common in areas of Iowa and Illinois that have far greater corn acreage and higher levels of heat and humidity on average.

[DKM]

Humidity, what's that like?