March 24, 2026
Rural residents across Wisconsin are being invited to take part in a virtual conversation about extreme weather, climate impacts and the information communities need to prepare for increasingly volatile conditions.
The Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow, a free virtual webinar scheduled for April 14, is hosted by the Rural Partnerships Institute at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in collaboration with the Wisconsin State Climatology Office and Wisconet. Organizers say the event is designed as both an educational session and a listening opportunity, with a focus on the unique challenges facing rural communities.
The one‑hour Zoom webinar will include presentations on climate and weather services available in Wisconsin, followed by opportunities for participants to ask questions and share their own experiences with extreme weather events such as flooding, drought, extreme heat or cold.
Organizers are particularly interested in hearing directly from residents about how extreme weather is affecting their communities and what kinds of climate and weather information would be most useful at the local level. According to the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, feedback gathered during roadshow events helps inform the development of tools, data products and outreach efforts aimed at improving preparedness and resilience in rural areas.
During the webinar, participants will learn about services provided by the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, including access to historical and current climate data, and will hear updates on Wisconet, the state’s expanding network of weather and soil monitoring stations. Wisconet is designed to help fill data gaps in rural areas where traditional weather stations may be sparse.
The session will also highlight work by the Rural Partnerships Institute that supports extreme weather preparedness efforts across rural Wisconsin, as well as insights gathered from previous roadshows held in other parts of the state.
The roadshow is open to anyone interested in weather and climate issues, including farmers, emergency managers, local officials, conservation professionals and residents who want to better understand how changing weather patterns may affect their livelihoods and communities. Organizers emphasize that no technical background is required to participate.
Registration is required but free, and attendees can participate simply by joining the Zoom webinar at the scheduled time. Those with questions about the event can contact Jackson Parr, a climate hazards planning educator with the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension.
Event: Extreme Weather and Climate Services Roadshow (Virtual)
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 12–1 p.m. Central Time
Format: Virtual webinar via Zoom
Cost: Free (registration required)
Hosts:
• Rural Partnerships Institute, UW–Madison
• Wisconsin State Climatology Office
• Wisconet
Who should attend:
Rural residents, farmers, emergency managers, local government staff, conservation professionals and anyone interested in extreme weather and climate preparedness
Registration:
Advance registration required
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