The REAL Truth About Winter in Madison WI! 

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.

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.

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.

Great idea, I like it!

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!

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!

Thank you for your kind words!

😂

Good tips!!

Sorel boots...check! Down feather jackets? What would you recommend?

Hahaha…can only imagine the AK winters!! 🥶

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 ??

Thank you!

I know, but it’s like anything...you get use to it...well sorta. For the most part😀

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.

Oh for sure! Ariens if you can, made in Wisconsin, built for WI winters!

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

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

Yes very dangerous...

Hello!

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.

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 RU-vid videos saying that the city was full of crime and crackheads