Milwaukee, WI – Drivers across southeast Wisconsin have a narrow window before a fast-moving burst of snow and freezing drizzle sweeps across I-94 and I-43, threatening to slow the evening commute by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, a quick-hitting band of precipitation will move northwest to southeast between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. Snowfall rates could briefly reach 0.5 inch per hour north of I-94, with total accumulations of 0.5 inch and locally up to 1 inch from Madison to Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.
Statewide, the highest impacts focus across central Wisconsin, where roads may turn snow-covered within 30 to 60 minutes of onset. Along the I-41 corridor through Fond du Lac and into Washington County, moderate bursts of snow may quickly reduce visibility and coat untreated pavement.
In Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine counties, precipitation may begin as snow before mixing with patchy freezing drizzle along I-94 and I-894. Surface temperatures hovering near 32 degrees could create a light glaze on bridges, ramps, and elevated roadways. Slick spots are most likely between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., aligning with peak travel times.
Farther south toward Kenosha and Janesville, temperatures may edge slightly above freezing late Tuesday afternoon, limiting accumulation but keeping wet roads in place for the drive home.
Motorists should allow extra travel time, increase following distance, and watch for sudden changes in visibility. Conditions improve from northwest to southeast after 6 p.m. Tuesday, but any untreated surfaces could refreeze later Tuesday night as temperatures dip back toward freezing.
