I have lived in Wisconsin for 64 years. The coldest winter I remember was in 1977-78 where we had 33 consecutives days where the daytime highs didn't get above 0. -35 at night was common that year. The coldest wind chills I remember was in 1979-80. A blizzard plew threw with high winds and -85 wind chill. We were snowed in for 3 days.
I agree with the cold during 1979-80. However back then, I was young, stupid, and invulnerable. I drove my then-fiancée to a radio show (Simply Folk) for a live taping. The weather said -45 Fahrenheit. In Wisconsin, we had outerwear for that. Also I packed all of the emergency supplies mentioned in this video. When we arrived in Madison, I was smug. I knew this was going to be a memorable event. But I had forgotten about the wind. In warmer climates, you know how a gentle breeze cools you off? Same cooling effect in the Winter, only more so. I got out of the car, faced into the wind, and felt my nose crystallize. Only the surface skin, but it is a very weird feeling to have your skin oil freeze. As my nose healed, it was like a very bad sunburn -- except over the next week, the skin turned black (not red) as it died. But we still tried to attend Simply Folk. Props to Tom Martin-Erickson and Becca Pulliam, who WERE there! They were playing recordings, since none of the live bands were there. However, they wanted US (note: US -- we must be safe! They did not care about their safety. They cared about US!) to get somewhere safe, and very kindly shoo-ed us away. We were hungry, so we went to the only restaurant open then: The BitterSweet. Perhaps the most luscious shrimp we ever had. (Yes, Wisconsinites are a different breed. Please imagine being a waitress in that situation.) P.S. My wife seemed to appreciate that I was careful for that trip. We have been married for 38 years. Purrr.
i'm australian and i lived in madison for a few years. culture shock HUGE! i had never seen anything remotely like snow until i lived there. it was fascinating and such a wonderful experience. but i am okay never doing it again lol
Culture and climate shock it sounds like! I can’t imagine coming from a place like Australia, however I would love to go visit Australia sometime. Are you back in Australia now?
Even in America many people in southern state climates have no idea what real winter really is. I remember one really cold February, I flew to Brazil and it was a heat wave and 97 degrees,. It felt like visiting another planet.
A classic Midwest blizzard is when you get a big dump of snow, at least 6 inches, and then you get the deep freeze. It's invigorating. If you want to go outside, it's just a matter of dressing for it. Stay away from water but the other most important thing is layers. Two thin layers is far superior to one thick one. I have a light fleece jacket that I wear under my overcoat. If it's really cold, and undershirt and long underwear does the trick.
Weather in Wisconsin today is not much like it was 30 or 40 or 50 years ago. It is much less predictable. Global warming is real and plays into how weather will be. It may be very cold- 0 f and below but it may be considerably warmer. In the past, yes you could expect 10 days, maybe two weeks of subzero weather in January or February. Now, you need to be ready for that weather but also 40 degrees and cold rain. Expect the need to layer. Staying dry is a must. If you are a student, forget about driving. Having a car in Madison as a student, is a liability. A bicycle is more practicle. But be prepared to safeguard it as the university areas are places thieves target.
The only items we've used from our "survival kit" were raincoats & umbrellas. Because of 12 inches of rain in two hours. Our car floated to the sidewalk, and got beached there. We spent the night 'sleeping' on a couple grocery conveyors at the nearby Costco. And we weren't even members!
@@livinginmadisonwi Yes, August if I remember. We couldn't get our car unstuck without a tow truck, and there were lots of other cars like ours that needed towing. So the next day we walked to our apartment (about three miles). We feared the worst, but were fortunate the complex is just south of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. That entire area is a kind of river basin, and it took most of the rainwater. A couple bridges were washed out, but our apartment was dry.
I do not mean to chuckle but that last part has me in stitches. It must have been abnormally warm during that storm or it would have been a typical snow right? Yikes, that's a lot of rain in one night.
You guys should try "A day in the life" videos Madison WI. Winter edition i.e. get some local vendors; Real Estate and non- Real Estate related vendors. To give their 2 cents on things.
I grew up in Madison and moved to Memphis in 88. The cold has kept me gone 😆 I had a paper route as a teenager and remember throwing paper in a windchill of 55 below zero 🥶
I’m moving from Boston to start Med school at UW-Madison this fall. Maybe you guys can get a video to talk more about the UW-Hospital and best things to explore for newcomers to the city
Selling my snowblower with my house this fall lol! Braking on ice pump brakes! Get a warm coat if you are hot in store great! Sorel boots great! Cross country ski trails at parks and sledding hills all over!
You can "get by" as long as the wind chill does not bring the temperature down below -10 deg F. Below that you have to watch for frost bite on your fingers, toes and face after just a few minutes. Kids who have to walk to school are usually the most at danger of frost bite.
How are mail and deliveries affected by the winter weather? Can you still order from grocery stores, Amazon, small businesses, etc. and expect items will be delivered within a reasonable time?
@@robertpreston2220 Where I am right now, it's not humid but hot and dry. 95 to 110 are pretty normal during July and August and it's a high fire risk. We're in far north California. Not really a choice we'd make, but we're watching over a relative who lives here who has Alzheimer's and can't live alone. Once he needs more advanced care and goes to a nursing home, we'll be looking where we want to go next.
Cold is subjective. It's colder here in the green bay area than Madison. However we don't have it that bad I went to MN twice in January once to the twin cities once to a fishing resort just off of us hwy 2 and I'll tell you that shit was cold.
Hello there guys thank you very much actually I live in socal but me and my family want to move out of California but colorado springs and madison WI are my options to relocate I am planning to go to Colorado next month and after go to madison WI to Appreciate better and I love your videos
You will need a few things. Crampons so you don’t fall on your ass on icy sidewalks. A snowblower. Skis, snowshoes and ice fishing gear. Money in your account to pay for all the alcohol you’ll drink to help you forget you are in Madison.
Good additions, especially the Crampons.... especially this winter we had a cold snap right after it snowed and it was too cold to melt the snow it froze on the roads and parking lots.
@@livinginmadisonwi Don’t get me wrong. I think your site gives a realistic appraisal. Unlike some of the “We are the Athens of the Midwest” types who populate this city.
@trinitytrinity2026 well madison just had it's most violent weekend this past weekend and we also had a mass shooting. Wisconsin is very good at hiding crimes from the media. 1 bedroom is about 1600 in a decent area before utilities. Not much for jobs. Quality of life is at an all time low. More people are trying leave then come here for a reason. I'm on my way out as well. Good luck
@@brandoblack3732 We were originally looking at Janesville until I started coming across a few UA-cam videos saying that the city was full of crime and crackheads
I have lived in Wisconsin for 64 years. The coldest winter I remember was in 1977-78 where we had 33 consecutives days where the daytime highs didn't get above 0. -35 at night was common that year. The coldest wind chills I remember was in 1979-80. A blizzard plew threw with high winds and -85 wind chill. We were snowed in for 3 days.
I agree with the cold during 1979-80. However back then, I was young, stupid, and invulnerable. I drove my then-fiancée to a radio show (Simply Folk) for a live taping. The weather said -45 Fahrenheit. In Wisconsin, we had outerwear for that. Also I packed all of the emergency supplies mentioned in this video. When we arrived in Madison, I was smug. I knew this was going to be a memorable event. But I had forgotten about the wind. In warmer climates, you know how a gentle breeze cools you off? Same cooling effect in the Winter, only more so. I got out of the car, faced into the wind, and felt my nose crystallize. Only the surface skin, but it is a very weird feeling to have your skin oil freeze. As my nose healed, it was like a very bad sunburn -- except over the next week, the skin turned black (not red) as it died. But we still tried to attend Simply Folk. Props to Tom Martin-Erickson and Becca Pulliam, who WERE there! They were playing recordings, since none of the live bands were there. However, they wanted US (note: US -- we must be safe! They did not care about their safety. They cared about US!) to get somewhere safe, and very kindly shoo-ed us away. We were hungry, so we went to the only restaurant open then: The BitterSweet. Perhaps the most luscious shrimp we ever had. (Yes, Wisconsinites are a different breed. Please imagine being a waitress in that situation.) P.S. My wife seemed to appreciate that I was careful for that trip. We have been married for 38 years. Purrr.
i'm australian and i lived in madison for a few years. culture shock HUGE! i had never seen anything remotely like snow until i lived there. it was fascinating and such a wonderful experience. but i am okay never doing it again lol
Culture and climate shock it sounds like! I can’t imagine coming from a place like Australia, however I would love to go visit Australia sometime. Are you back in Australia now?
@@livinginmadisonwi yes been back for years. also lived in rhode island in the 80's. most of my relatives are american. wisconsin was a shock tho lol
Even in America many people in southern state climates have no idea what real winter really is. I remember one really cold February, I flew to Brazil and it was a heat wave and 97 degrees,. It felt like visiting another planet.
Winter in Madison is really tough but snow days and Xbox instead of school was the best part though !!
Oh yeah snow days are still some of my favorite memories of growing up!
Now, it’s just Zoom class for the next generation probably.
A classic Midwest blizzard is when you get a big dump of snow, at least 6 inches, and then you get the deep freeze. It's invigorating. If you want to go outside, it's just a matter of dressing for it. Stay away from water but the other most important thing is layers. Two thin layers is far superior to one thick one. I have a light fleece jacket that I wear under my overcoat. If it's really cold, and undershirt and long underwear does the trick.
Weather in Wisconsin today is not much like it was 30 or 40 or 50 years ago. It is much less predictable. Global warming is real and plays into how weather will be. It may be very cold- 0 f and below but it may be considerably warmer. In the past, yes you could expect 10 days, maybe two weeks of subzero weather in January or February. Now, you need to be ready for that weather but also 40 degrees and cold rain. Expect the need to layer. Staying dry is a must.
If you are a student, forget about driving. Having a car in Madison as a student, is a liability. A bicycle is more practicle. But be prepared to safeguard it as the university areas are places thieves target.
Hello! Just got admitted at UWmadison. My dad and I are learning as much as possible on the town and the University!
The only items we've used from our "survival kit" were raincoats & umbrellas. Because of 12 inches of rain in two hours. Our car floated to the sidewalk, and got beached there. We spent the night 'sleeping' on a couple grocery conveyors at the nearby Costco. And we weren't even members!
Oh man, that was 2018 right??? That was soooo much rain! 100 Yr flood!
@@livinginmadisonwi Yes, August if I remember. We couldn't get our car unstuck without a tow truck, and there were lots of other cars like ours that needed towing. So the next day we walked to our apartment (about three miles). We feared the worst, but were fortunate the complex is just south of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy. That entire area is a kind of river basin, and it took most of the rainwater. A couple bridges were washed out, but our apartment was dry.
I do not mean to chuckle but that last part has me in stitches. It must have been abnormally warm during that storm or it would have been a typical snow right? Yikes, that's a lot of rain in one night.
@@jaytoser5212 What a memory!
You guys should try "A day in the life" videos Madison WI. Winter edition i.e. get some local vendors; Real Estate and non- Real Estate related vendors. To give their 2 cents on things.
Great idea, I like it!
I grew up in Madison and moved to Memphis in 88. The cold has kept me gone 😆 I had a paper route as a teenager and remember throwing paper in a windchill of 55 below zero 🥶
I’m moving from Boston to start Med school at UW-Madison this fall. Maybe you guys can get a video to talk more about the UW-Hospital and best things to explore for newcomers to the city
If at UW he will have lots to do and downtown is very busy lots of info from all kinds of sources here he will pick up fast!
Selling my snowblower with my house this fall lol! Braking on ice pump brakes! Get a warm coat if you are hot in store great! Sorel boots great! Cross country ski trails at parks and sledding hills all over!
Good tips!!
Sorel boots...check! Down feather jackets? What would you recommend?
Thank you! I appreciate your candor.
Thank you for your kind words!
Love all your videos, we coming to Madison on November 😅 it’s our first time dealing with snow since we don’t get any hope it turns well 😖🥶😰
Welp bring your warm coats and boots! It’ll be a little shock at first but you’ll get use to it!
Are you coming from Europe ??
You can "get by" as long as the wind chill does not bring the temperature down below -10 deg F. Below that you have to watch for frost bite on your fingers, toes and face after just a few minutes. Kids who have to walk to school are usually the most at danger of frost bite.
Born and raised in anchorage ak live in Washington now missing that beautiful winter weather lol
Hahaha…can only imagine the AK winters!! 🥶
I was born and raised in Madison and your videos aren't wanting me to move back.
😂
keep the great work
Thank you!
How are mail and deliveries affected by the winter weather? Can you still order from grocery stores, Amazon, small businesses, etc. and expect items will be delivered within a reasonable time?
Wisconsin as well as the states around the great lakes have brutal winters.
8" of snow before closing schools? Haha... near Baltimore, Maryland, not kidding- an inch or two is enough to delay or cancel school.
Am thinking of relocating to Madison. Thanks for the video.
Did you end up locating there? We are in the same boat this year. Thinking about relocating there in the spring of 2024
Follow. Please update us. Hope you relocated there.
Cold is a good thing, kills mosquitoes AND makes the faint of heart and the lazy move on.
So similar to Scotland UK
U guys have no idea. Lol 😂
Texas closes schools when we get a light freeze. 😊
Winters are easy. Summers are brutal! I live in Chicago, but lived in Madison as a kid
What are summer brutal?? Bugs? I know it can get humid, but it's not like Houston Texas in summer! 😬
@@windsongshf Its hot and humid though!
@@robertpreston2220 Where I am right now, it's not humid but hot and dry. 95 to 110 are pretty normal during July and August and it's a high fire risk. We're in far north California. Not really a choice we'd make, but we're watching over a relative who lives here who has Alzheimer's and can't live alone. Once he needs more advanced care and goes to a nursing home, we'll be looking where we want to go next.
@@windsongshf That sounds aweful. sorry to hear that
Cold is subjective. It's colder here in the green bay area than Madison. However we don't have it that bad I went to MN twice in January once to the twin cities once to a fishing resort just off of us hwy 2 and I'll tell you that shit was cold.
It’s the same as Montana
A low of 8?? *cries in southern*
I know, but it’s like anything...you get use to it...well sorta. For the most part😀
The synonym to cold is purity. Therefore it is less infectious substances dispersed into the air you breathe. Thus the healthier you reside.
Snow blower, check!
Oh for sure! Ariens if you can, made in Wisconsin, built for WI winters!
I hate it here. I hate the cold. Winter is long
Hello there guys thank you very much actually I live in socal but me and my family want to move out of California but colorado springs and madison WI are my options to relocate I am planning to go to Colorado next month and after go to madison WI to Appreciate better and I love your videos
Sounds great! Let us know when you’ll be in town. We can try to connect! Let us know your thoughts on CO!
Hey thank you yes 👍 ☺ 😊
I will contact you when I get there God bless you guys
4:17 is the picture from Russia 😅
There's no bad weather. Only bad clothes..
And watch out for snow sharks! junk buried under the snow after a blizzard on the streets.
Yes very dangerous...
You will need a few things. Crampons so you don’t fall on your ass on icy sidewalks. A snowblower. Skis, snowshoes and ice fishing gear. Money in your account to pay for all the alcohol you’ll drink to help you forget you are in Madison.
Good additions, especially the Crampons.... especially this winter we had a cold snap right after it snowed and it was too cold to melt the snow it froze on the roads and parking lots.
@@livinginmadisonwi Don’t get me wrong. I think your site gives a realistic appraisal. Unlike some of the “We are the Athens of the Midwest” types who populate this city.
Hola
Hello!
Best thing about cold weather is it keeps the soft people away
Move to Mexico, be happy
Madison is one of the worst city’s you can live in now. It has gown down hill significantly the past years! Don’t move here!
What's the reason? We are looking to move to WI and were looking at Madison.
@trinitytrinity2026 well madison just had it's most violent weekend this past weekend and we also had a mass shooting. Wisconsin is very good at hiding crimes from the media. 1 bedroom is about 1600 in a decent area before utilities. Not much for jobs. Quality of life is at an all time low. More people are trying leave then come here for a reason. I'm on my way out as well. Good luck
@@brandoblack3732 wow! What areas would you recommend?
@@trinitytrinity2026 anything outside of madiosn is pretty safe
@@brandoblack3732 We were originally looking at Janesville until I started coming across a few UA-cam videos saying that the city was full of crime and crackheads
Tyrol is not “amazing”