If you’ve lived in Western Wisconsin for any length of time, you know the drill. You look at the sky, see those flat, grey clouds, and think, "Okay, here we go again." But honestly, the weather New Richmond WI throws at us isn't just about surviving the cold. It is a specific, weirdly predictable, and yet totally volatile micro-climate that dictates everything from whether your car starts in the morning to which local brewery you’re hiding out in by 5:00 PM.
Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. If you're standing outside right now, you’re feeling a crisp 19°F. But that doesn't tell the whole story. With a 21 mph wind coming straight out of the north, that "feels like" temperature is sitting at a brutal 3°F. That’s the St. Croix County tax, basically.
People think they understand Wisconsin winters. They don't. They think it's just "cold." New Richmond is actually in a bit of a sweet spot—or a sour one, depending on your perspective—where the moisture from the Gulf and the Arctic air from Canada have a literal fistfight over our cornfields.
The January Thaw vs. The Polar Vortex Reality
We just came off a weirdly warm start to 2026. The first week of January was almost 15 degrees warmer than last year. Some people were calling it a "January Thaw," and honestly, it felt like spring was trying to make an early appearance. Don't be fooled.
Meteorological data from the New Richmond Municipal Airport (KRNH) shows that even when we have these "warm" spikes, the floor can drop out instantly. We are currently watching the Polar Vortex weaken. When that happens, the frigid air that usually stays up north starts wobbling like a spinning top that's losing speed. It’s heading our way.
By tonight, we’re looking at a low of 7°F. That’s a 12-degree drop from the daytime high, and it’s only going to get tighter as we move toward late January. Historically, the coldest day of the year in New Richmond is January 22. We’re currently staring down the barrel of that date.
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What the averages don't tell you
- Average High in Jan: 23°F.
- Average Low in Jan: 7°F.
- The "Secret" Stat: Humidity in January actually hits nearly 100% sometimes. It’s a "wet" cold that gets into your bones, unlike the dry cold you find in the Dakotas.
Why "10% Chance of Snow" Actually Matters
You’ll see the forecast today says a 10% chance of snow. Most people ignore that. They shouldn't. In New Richmond, that 10% often manifests as "black ice" or a light dusting that turns the Highway 65 and Highway 64 intersection into a skating rink.
New Richmond gets about 48 inches of snow a year. That’s four feet of the white stuff. But it’s the timing that’s the killer. We get these clipper systems—fast-moving storms that slide in from northwest Canada. They don't drop two feet of snow; they drop two inches of grease-like slush.
If you're driving toward the Cities or heading up to the Willow River State Park area, you’ve got to watch the wind gusts. Today, we’re seeing gusts up to 21 mph. In open fields around the city limits, that wind picks up whatever snow is on the ground and creates "ground blizzards." You can have a blue sky above you and zero visibility at the windshield. It’s terrifying if you aren't expecting it.
Surviving the "Freezing, Snowy, and Windy" Trifecta
Let's talk about the lifestyle side of this weather. You can't just stay inside for four months. Well, you can, but you'll go stir-crazy. New Richmond has adapted.
When the weather New Richmond WI offers is "tolerable" (which usually means anything above 15°F with low wind), the community heads to Hatfield Lake or Mary Park. Ice fishing isn't just a hobby here; it's a social pillar. Anglers are currently pulling walleye and northern pike out of the ice, but you have to be smart.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is pretty clear about the risks. Once the wind chill hits -25°F, you're looking at frostbite in under 30 minutes. We aren't there today, but we are in the "heavy coat and gloves" zone.
Essential Winter Gear for the 54017
- Moisture-wicking base layers. Because of that high humidity, if you sweat while shoveling and then sit still, you’ll freeze.
- A roof rake. No, seriously. New Richmond houses take a beating from snow load and ice dams.
- Sand or Kitty Litter. Keep a bag in the trunk. If you get stuck on a side street near the Heritage Center, you'll thank me.
The Transition Seasons: When it Gets Really Weird
While we’re in the thick of winter, it’s worth looking at what’s coming. Spring in New Richmond isn't a season; it’s a battleground. April is actually our windiest month, averaging nearly 17 mph.
This is when the "wet" part of our climate kicks in. New Richmond is part of a region that experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. June is usually the wettest, with about 4.2 inches of rain on average. But the transition from snow to rain in late March often leads to localized flooding near the Apple River.
If you're new to the area, you might notice that everyone talks about the "Frost Line." Contractors won't dig until it’s out of the ground, and that can take until May. The weather here is a slow-motion process. It takes forever to freeze and even longer to thaw.
Practical Steps for New Richmond Residents Today
Since the Polar Vortex is threatening a return in the second half of the month, you need to act now while the temps are still in the double digits.
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First, check your vehicle’s antifreeze levels. If your battery is more than three years old, a 7°F night is when it will die. Most local shops like the ones along 4th Street can do a quick load test. Do it today.
Second, look at your home’s ventilation. If you're using space heaters because your furnace is struggling with the wind chill, make sure they aren't near curtains. It sounds basic, but local fire calls spike every time the temp drops below zero.
Lastly, lean into the local scene. If the wind is too high for the trails, places like 45th Parallel Distillery or Lift Bridge provide that "indoor community" vibe that makes a Wisconsin winter bearable. The weather is what it is—you might as well have a good drink while it happens.
Keep an eye on the barometer. It's currently sitting at 30.28 inches and steady. If that starts to drop rapidly, you'll know a bigger system is pushing through. For now, enjoy the sun while it's out, because the clouds are coming back tonight.