April truly is a transitional month, meteorologically speaking, around Southeastern Wisconsin. Our average high temperatures jump from the upper 40’s during the first week of the month to 60 degrees by April 30th.

Still, the best evidence of April’s variability can be found by looking through the record books at some of the extreme conditions which have occurred. Sometimes the weather on one particular day could be drastically different on that same day in a different year.

For instance, on April 2nd in 1975 Winter conditions returned with a vengeance as a storm dropped more than 10 inches of snow across the area. Just two years later on the same day a tornado hit Brookfield destroying 8 houses and damaging 166 residences.

Similarly, on April 11th, 1965 an outbreak of tornados through the Midwest killed 271 people, including 3 right here in Wisconsin, but just last year, April 11th brought more than half a foot of snow in the Milwaukee area.

This year’s Brewers opening day was quite pleasant with relatively mild temperatures and dry conditions, but back in the World Series year, 1982, opening day had to be delayed because of a 9 inch snowfall.

The best example of April’s capacity for continued wintery weather may’ve been back in 1973. That’s when a massive blizzard-like storm overtook the area. Milwaukee was socked in by almost a foot of snow and 60 mph winds. The combination of snow and wind led to 10 foot drifts.

By contrast, April 26th is the average last day of frost in the Milwaukee area. Truly a month of contrast and transition.