Temperatures fell to subzero levels in Wisconsin last week and although it was some of the coldest air we've experienced in quite a while, it does not even come close to the coldest temperatures we've experienced in January.

What You Need To Know

  • The coldest it's been in January in Eau Claire was -45 degrees on Jan. 30, 1951

  • Milwaukee has yet to record a subzero low temperature so far this season

  • Rhinelander's overnight low dropped to -23 degrees on Jan. 10, 2022

In Wisconsin, we've become accustomed to cold temperatures and snow, but the bitter cold last week had many thinking about just how cold it can be and previously has been in the Badger State.

Coldest temperatures so far this month

A string of frigid temperatures settled in over Wisconsin last week behind an Arctic cold front. Some of the coldest air we've experienced in quite a while moved in between Jan. 6 and the morning of the 11th.

Rhinelander dropped all the way to -23 degrees on Jan. 10, while Eau Claire's temperature dipped all the way to -19 degrees on Jan. 7.

Milwaukee has yet to record a subzero temperature this month, but did fall to 2 degrees the morning of Jan. 11.

Coldest January temperatures on record

While it may have felt like it could have been considered "record cold," the coldest temperatures we've experienced in Wisconsin in January have been and are capable of getting significantly colder!

The coldest it's ever been in January in Eau Claire was -45 degrees back on Jan. 30, 1951. Madison also dropped to -37 degrees on that same date.

Milwaukee's temperature even fell to a frigid -26 degrees on Jan. 17, 1982.

What to expect to end the month

Overall, January is going to end up with temperatures averaging below normal for the month. All signs are pointing to a return of much colder air from about the 19th to the 25th, so make sure you keep all of that cold weather gear handy!