If you’ve ever spent a week in Iowa County, you know the vibe. One minute you’re looking at a crisp, blue sky over the ridges, and the next, a "clipper" system is barreling down from Canada to remind you exactly where you are on the map. Weather for Dodgeville Wisconsin is never just one thing—it’s a mood, a season-shifter, and honestly, a bit of a local sport.
Right now, we are sitting in the thick of January. Specifically, today is Monday, January 12, 2026. If you’re stepping out tonight, it’s 31°F with a feels-like temperature of 23°F. It’s cloudy, kind of damp with 88% humidity, and there’s a light southwest wind at 10 mph. We saw a high of 46°F earlier today, which is frankly a gift for January in the Driftless Area.
The Driftless Factor: Why Dodgeville Weather Hits Different
Most of Wisconsin was flattened by glaciers. Dodgeville? Not so much. Because this area was bypassed by the last glacial period, the topography is all steep ridges and deep valleys. This isn't just pretty to look at—it fundamentally changes how weather for Dodgeville Wisconsin behaves compared to, say, Madison or Milwaukee.
The hills act like a playground for the wind. You’ll notice that southwest wind today at 10 mph feels a lot sharper when it’s funneling through a valley. Also, the "cold air drainage" is a real thing here. On clear nights, the cold air sinks into the valleys while the ridge-tops stay a few degrees warmer. If you’re living on the edge of town near Governor Dodge State Park, your thermometer might read five degrees lower than your neighbor’s up on the hill.
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Surviving the Seasonal Whiplash
January is officially our coldest month, with average lows hovering around 13°F. But honestly, "average" is a bit of a lie in southwest Wisconsin. We get these massive swings.
Take today's high of 46°F. That’s nearly 20 degrees above the typical January high of 28°F. It’s what locals call a "thaw," and while it feels great, it usually means the gravel roads are going to be a muddy mess by noon.
- Winter (November to March): It’s long. We get about 41 inches of snow a year. January usually sees about 10 inches of that.
- Spring (April to May): This is the wet season. April and May bring the rain that turns the coulees neon green, but keep an eye out for late-season flurries.
- Summer (June to August): It gets humid. July is the hottest, peaking around 81°F.
- Fall (September to October): Basically perfect. Crisp air, low humidity, and the best foliage in the Midwest.
What to Expect the Rest of the Week
If you're looking at the immediate horizon for weather for Dodgeville Wisconsin, things are staying relatively stable but gray. Tonight will remain cloudy with a low of 25°F. There is a small 20% chance of snow, though nothing that should require a shovel.
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Tomorrow, Tuesday, looks like a mix of clouds and sun early on, with a high of 48°F. Again, that’s unseasonably warm. However, don't let the sun fool you; the wind is expected to pick up from the west at 15 to 25 mph. By the time we hit the middle of the week, the "Polar Vortex" chatter usually starts up again. While we aren't seeing a sub-zero blast just yet, the second half of January historically brings those Arctic surges that make your nose hairs freeze.
Severe Weather and the July 2025 Surprise
We can't talk about Dodgeville weather without mentioning the local history of being "weather-aware." Last summer, on July 16, 2025, an EF1 tornado actually touched down near the Farm and Fleet. It moved northeast through a cornfield and uprooted healthy hardwood trees near County Road ZZ.
It was a stark reminder that while the ridges usually protect us, they aren't a shield against everything. Severe storms here often develop quickly as they move across the Mississippi River and hit the uneven terrain of the Driftless.
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Actionable Tips for Living with Dodgeville Weather
Living here requires a specific kind of preparedness. It’s not just about having a coat; it’s about having the right gear for the specific microclimate of the ridges.
- Check the "Feels Like" Temp: In Dodgeville, the raw temperature is a suggestion. The wind chill is the reality. Today’s 31°F feels like 23°F because of that southwest breeze.
- Invest in Good Tires: The hills in and out of town—especially near the Military Ridge State Trail—become ice slides in January.
- Watch the Valleys: If you’re driving toward Spring Green or Mineral Point in the early morning, expect thick fog or sudden temperature drops in the low spots.
- Humidity Matters: At 88% humidity tonight, the air is "heavy." Even at 31°F, that moisture gets into your bones. Layers are non-negotiable.
Immediate Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the wind speeds for Tuesday afternoon. If you have loose patio furniture or lightweight trash cans, secure them before those 25 mph gusts hit. Since the chance of snow tonight is low (20%), you likely won't need the salt, but keep it by the door—the 46°F melt from today will likely refreeze into black ice as temperatures drop to 25°F overnight.