Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A noticeable shift away from winter’s deep cold is expected across Wisconsin by Thursday as temperatures climb above freezing, triggering a mid-February thaw that could quickly change road conditions and daily travel statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across much of Wisconsin. Daytime highs are expected to rise into the mid to upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt on highways, neighborhood streets, and parking lots.
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, La Crosse, and Eau Claire all fall within the warmer-than-average signal, with even parts of northern Wisconsin trending milder than seasonal norms. Overnight lows are also expected to moderate closer to freezing, reducing prolonged cold but increasing the risk of refreezing where meltwater remains after dark.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, raising the potential for rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air pushes into the Upper Midwest. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation notes that major corridors including I-94, I-90, I-43, US-41, and I-39 could see slushy conditions, standing water, and slick spots, particularly on bridges and elevated overpasses during the morning and evening commute windows.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into the middle of next week. Residents should remain alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing or refreeze risks become clearer across Wisconsin.
