Very Cold Temperature Streak (Updated 1/7)

It was a very cold period across southern Wisconsin between Christmas Day and January 6th. Very cold temperatures and bitter cold wind chills occurred nearly every day during this period.

Moderating temperatures to values closer to or above seasonal normals through the middle of the week are anticipated. Very cold temperatures may return at the end of the week and into the weekend.

In fact, it was one of the coldest periods on record between Christmas Day and January 6th.

Here are some statistics for Milwaukee and Madison below:

Milwaukee:

For the Christmas Day through January 6th period, Milwaukee's average temperature was just 5.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

This was the second coldest period on record for Milwaukee. The record coldest period occurred in 1886-87 (4.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Here is a listing of the top ten coldest Christmas Day through January 6th periods on record for Milwaukee. Average temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit:

Rank	Average Temperature	Year
1	4.4	1886-87
2	5.9	2017-18
3	6.9	1878-79
T4	10.3	1978-79
T4	10.3	1967-68
6	10.4	1903-04
7	10.7	1892-93
8	10.9	1976-77
9	11.3	1944-45
10	11.6	1911-12

Madison:

For the Christmas Day through January 6th period, Madison's average temperature was just 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

This was the second coldest period on record for Madison. The record coldest period occurred in 1886-87 (-1.0 degrees Fahrenheit).

Here is a listing of the top ten coldest Christmas Day through January 6th periods on record for Madison. Average temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit:

Rank	Average Temperature	Year
1	-1.0	1886-87
2	0.9	2017-18
3	5.8	1874-75
T4	6.2	1967-68
T4	6.2	1911-12
6	6.5	1976-77
7	6.9	1883-84
8	7.1	1909-10
9	7.2	1903-04
T10	7.5	1978-79
T10	7.5	1878-79

Wood/MG
NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI