MADISON, Wis. -- The leaves aren't the only thing changing in the Badger state. Wisconsin's evolving climate is at the center of a new University of Wisconsin-Madison study.

A group of scientists at the university said they have documented proof that changes are on the way for Wisconsin's climate in the next century -- changes that could make it feel like down south.

"I mean look, you got people going out on the lake in September! Come on," said Anne Beste, laughing at Vilas Beach in Madison.

When Beste came from Missouri to visit her daughter, Jessica, she said she came prepared for a crisp, fall day.

"I got long sleeves. I got turtleneck going on, thinking we needed a jacket," she said.

Instead, Madison feels a lot like home.

"We're from New Haven, Mo., so it's pretty much exactly like being there," she said.

If a new study is right, the state's temperatures will really resemble Missouri or Iowa by 2050.

"We should expect more extreme warm days, more days with temperatures that exceed 90 degrees. We should expect shorter winter," said Dan Vimont, UW-Madison professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences.

UW-Madison scientists Vimont, Chris Kucharik, David Lorenz and Michael Notaro said their study shows Wisconsin’s changing climate -- past and future. The study said that Wisconsin isn't necessarily getting hotter, but it is getting less cold.

"Since about 1950, the annual average temperatures have warmed by about 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit," said Kucharik of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. "But interestingly, the greatest amount of warming has actually taken place during winter time."

Using a realistic estimate of future global carbon emissions, the scientists are forecasting significantly warmer winters, altered patterns of rain and more severe weather events for the state. It's research these scientists say isn't meant to scare anyone, but to educate on the possible changes ahead.

"The one thing we do get asked is 'Should we really be worried about these significant changes that are being projected in the future?' And my response to that is I would be more worried if we weren't paying attention to those potential changes," said Vimont.

Missouri native Jessica Menke said she knows a little about these possibilities in Wisconsin's future.

"You won't have the constant snow every other day. Summers -- same temperatures, but be prepared to sweat little bit more because it's a lot more humid,” said the UW-Madison graduate student.

The biggest projected climate shifts are in the spring and winter. Vimont predicts the southern part of the state will see a shorter, more intense winter with less snow but more freezing rain.

The governor's task force on global warming will likely use the study's findings, as will other environmental groups in the state, and will develop strategies for adapting to the difference scenarios presented.