Wisconsin wakes under a biting, crystalline sky this morning as arctic air sweeps across Milwaukee and the lakefront. Frost glitters on rooftops, and wind slides across open fields with enough sting to numb skin within minutes. Pavement feels brittle and dry, but any passing flurries today could flash-freeze almost instantly.

According to the National Weather Service, a Cold Weather Advisory begins tonight for east-central and southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and surrounding counties. Wind chills between 15 below and 30 below zero are expected from late tonight through midday Saturday. That level of cold can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Residents should bundle up, limit time outdoors, and prepare for painful blasts of northwest wind.

Light flurries may develop this afternoon and early evening. While accumulation stays minimal, the combination of powdery snow and subzero wind chills may create slick spots on I-94, Highway 41, and elevated ramps around downtown. Plan extra time if heading to holiday events or evening errands.

Meteorologists are also tracking a renewed burst of lake-effect snow Saturday night into early Sunday. Most activity should remain light near Milwaukee, but the coldest air of the season will settle overhead. Sunday highs may only reach the low teens, and wind chills could dip below zero again at times.

Warmer, quieter weather builds early next week, though mornings stay frigid.

5-DAY OUTLOOK

• Today: Chance flurries; highs near 25; increasing wind.
• Saturday: Dangerous wind chills; highs near 7; lake-effect possible late.
• Sunday: Sunny but bitter; highs near 12; subzero morning wind chills.
• Monday: Partly sunny; highs near 21.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy; highs near 36.