Wisconsin – Cold wind sweeps off Lake Michigan this morning as gray clouds hang over Milwaukee. The air feels calm for now, but a powerful March system is quickly organizing and will bring rain, ice, and snow to southeast Wisconsin.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, rain will spread across Milwaukee and surrounding counties late this morning before temperatures hover near the freezing mark tonight. That shift could trigger a wintry mix with freezing rain and sleet late tonight, especially across Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Waukesha counties.
Conditions worsen quickly by Monday. As colder air moves in, precipitation transitions fully to snow while winds strengthen. Gusts may reach 45 to 50 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow and rapidly dropping visibility.
Travel may become hazardous along Interstate 94, Interstate 43, and Highway 41, particularly during the Monday morning commute. Wet pavement from earlier rain could refreeze, creating flash-freeze conditions on bridges and untreated roads before snow begins piling up.
The National Weather Service warns that 5 to 10 inches of snow could fall across southwest to east-central Wisconsin through Monday afternoon. Areas closer to Milwaukee may see lighter totals of 1 to 3 inches, but strong winds could still create bursts of near whiteout conditions.
Lake Michigan winds will also push wind chills into the single digits Monday night as colder air settles over the region.
Looking ahead, calmer weather returns Tuesday with sunshine, but another round of snow may develop by Tuesday night into Wednesday. Gradual warming later in the week hints that spring will try to rebound after this late-season blast.
Allow extra travel time Monday and monitor local alerts as conditions evolve across southeast Wisconsin.
Five Day Outlook for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Monday: Snow and blowing snow developing. High near 24°F with strong winds.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy and very cold. Low near 9°F.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny but cold. High near 24°F.
Tuesday Night: Chance of snow developing. Low near 18°F.
Wednesday: Slight chance of snow showers. High near 42°F.
