Madison, Wis. – Large hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes could impact parts of Wisconsin Thursday afternoon, especially from Madison northward, as unstable conditions set the stage for potential severe storms between 2 and 10 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee, storm development will hinge on whether storms can overcome dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. Confidence is highest for storm formation north and west of Madison, but areas south of I-94—including Milwaukee and Janesville—could still face significant hazards if storms materialize.
All severe threats are on the table, including hail larger than golf balls, wind gusts over 70 mph, localized flooding, and isolated tornadoes. The window of greatest concern spans the late afternoon and early evening hours, with initial development expected around 1 p.m.
Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours and ensure mobile devices are charged in case of power outages. Residents are urged to monitor local alerts and be ready to seek shelter quickly.
Storms are expected to exit the region after 10 p.m., but additional watches or warnings may be issued if instability persists across southern Wisconsin.
