Risk Snapshot
Ratings represent risk relative to North America. 100 is the highest risk for the hazard and 1 is the lowest, but does not indicate no risk. Flood and fire are rated based on the buildings in Milwaukee exposed to these hazards. See hazard sections below and check your address for details.
Precipitation risk in Milwaukee, WI is very high. Heat risk is high. Drought risk is significant. About 17% of buildings in Milwaukee, WI are at risk of flooding, and the risk level for these buildings is significant. About 24% of buildings in Milwaukee, WI are at risk of wildfire, and the risk level for these buildings is relatively low. 
The share of precipitation during the biggest downpours in Milwaukee is projected to increase.
A downpour for Milwaukee, WI is a two-day rainfall total over 0.7 inches. Around 1990, about 41.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 47.0%. The annual precipitation in Milwaukee, WI is projected to increase from about 31.6" to about 34.0".
The number of the hottest days in Milwaukee is projected to keep increasing.
In a typical year around 1990, people in Milwaukee, WI experienced about 7 days above 91.7ºF in a year. By 2050, people in Milwaukee are projected to experience an average of about 32 days per year over 91.7ºF.
The average water stress in Milwaukee is projected to be higher around 2050 than around 2015.
The Milwaukee watershed, which contains Milwaukee, WI, has experienced 356 weeks (30% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 8 weeks (1% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.
Buildings at risk in Milwaukee average about a 30% chance of a flood about 11.0 inches deep over 30 years.
Of 452 census tracts in Milwaukee, WI, there are 23 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from surface (pluvial) flooding and riverine (fluvial) flooding. Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.
The risk on the most dangerous fire weather days in Milwaukee is low. The number of these days per year is expected to increase through 2050.
Of 452 census tracts in Milwaukee, WI, there are 121 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk, and 86 where more than half of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.
The projections on this page describe a future that we still have a chance to avoid. To keep average global warming below 1.5ºC—the goal agreed on in the 2015 Paris Climate Accords—we need to act rapidly to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The risks presented on this page reflect modeled averages for Milwaukee, WI under one projected emissions scenario and can vary for individual properties. To find out more, check a specific address and request a report describing risks to your property and in your area.
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report states: “If global emissions continue at current rates, the remaining carbon budget for keeping warming to 1.5ºC will likely be exhausted before 2030.” This remaining carbon budget is about the same amount as total global emissions 2010-2019.
Check our free report for tips on protecting your home from hazards.















