Wisconsin — The cold bites hard this morning as breath crystallizes instantly and wind slices through layers. Along Lake Michigan, Milwaukee wakes up under dangerous winter conditions, with Arctic air firmly in control.
Temperatures hover near zero, but wind chills plunge into the negative teens and approach 20 degrees below zero in spots. According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, these conditions persist through tonight, making extended outdoor exposure risky. Frostbite can develop quickly, especially with steady winds off the lake.
As the cold air flows over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan, meteorologists are tracking lake-effect snow potential. Snow showers may develop Thursday night, continuing on and off through Saturday morning. While totals remain uncertain, localized bands could drop quick bursts of snow, reducing visibility and making roads slick with little notice. Areas east of I-43 face the greatest risk if bands linger.
Travel impacts remain a concern. Wind chills stay in the negative teens each night through Friday, and any snow that falls will not melt. Drivers should watch for icy patches, especially on bridges, ramps, and lakefront roads where wind exposure is strongest. Plan extra time during morning and evening travel windows.
Friday stays cold, with highs struggling into the mid-teens and scattered snow chances continuing. Friday night remains bitter, with lows near zero. Saturday offers some relief as sunshine returns and highs climb into the lower 20s, though it still feels sharp in the wind.
This pattern ties into a broader Midwest freeze. Nearly half of the Great Lakes are frozen, allowing cold air to maintain strength while lake-effect snow continues downwind. Longer-range outlooks suggest drier conditions next week, with temperatures slowly moderating but remaining below normal into early February.
Limit time outdoors today. Cover exposed skin. Keep vehicles winter-ready.
Seeing snow bands or extreme cold where you are? Share what conditions feel like in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 13°F, dangerous wind chills
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 12°F, lake-effect snow late
- Friday: Chance of snow, high near 15°F
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 21°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 25°F
