On the evening of August 9 through August 10, 2025, a wave of thunderstorms hit southeast Wisconsin, leading to severe flash flooding. The area faced a record-breaking downpour, with James Madison High School in Northwest Milwaukee seeing an incredible 14.55 inches of rain in just 24 hours. This shattered the previous state record of 11.72 inches set in 1946.
After the storm, experts reviewed how the record was established. They checked the rain gauge’s calibration and placement, ensuring accuracy. A committee that included members from various climate centers analyzed the weather data to confirm the new benchmark. You can read the full report on the rainfall record here, and see a complete list of state rainfall records here.
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District recorded this rainfall at the high school. Rain began falling around 5 PM and continued through the night, with most of it pouring down between 6 PM and 3 AM. The rain rates were impressive, hitting 1 to 3 inches per hour at times.
Radar estimates painted a picture of heavy rain across northwest Milwaukee, showing totals between 10 to 12 inches. Nearby areas, especially northeast Waukesha and northern Milwaukee County, reported rainfall amounts of 9 to 13 inches. Most of this rain fell within that critical 24-hour window.
This extreme weather highlights a growing concern. Climate change is leading to more unpredictable and intense rainfall events. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heavy rainfall in the United States has increased significantly over the past few decades. In fact, the frequency of intense storms has risen by nearly 20% since the 1980s. Experts stress the need for communities to prepare for such events, focusing on improving infrastructure and emergency response systems.
User reactions on social media reflected shock and concern. Many shared videos of the flooding and discussed how quickly the situation escalated. This flood wasn’t just a local issue; it reminded people across the country of the need to address climate resilience.
As we move forward, the focus must be on learning from these events. Communities can implement better flood management practices and invest in sustainable solutions. Understanding past records helps us gauge future challenges. It’s a lesson in readiness as we face an uncertain climate ahead.
