MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – The air felt cool and damp early Friday across Milwaukee, with mist lingering near the lakefront and headlights glowing softly through the morning haze. After a stretch of cloudy skies, the area will see a brief taste of late-fall sunshine this weekend before a fresh wave of rain arrives early next week — just as Thanksgiving travel ramps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, quiet weather dominates through Sunday as high pressure slides across the western Great Lakes. Highs will reach the upper 40s to near 50 under mostly sunny skies, while light northwest winds keep conditions calm — perfect for yard cleanup, errands, or early decorating.
By Monday afternoon, southerly flow strengthens and clouds build ahead of a low-pressure system moving in from the Plains. Showers will develop late Monday into Tuesday morning, with rainfall totals of 0.25 to 0.5 inches possible. While temperatures will remain above freezing, wet roads and reduced visibility may slow traffic for early Thanksgiving travelers on I-43, I-94, and U.S. 41.
Nationally, meteorologists warn of a potential heavy snow corridor stretching from the northern Rockies to the Great Lakes between November 25 and December 3, with some areas likely to see 4 to 10 inches. As that system tracks east, cooler air could spill into Wisconsin by Thanksgiving Day, delivering a brisk reminder that winter is waiting in the wings.
Five-Day Forecast for Milwaukee, WI:
Fri: 47/30 – Partly sunny; cool, light northwest breeze.
Sat: 48/36 – Mostly sunny; calm and pleasant.
Sun: 53/39 – Sunny, light winds; ideal travel day.
Mon: 54/45 – Increasing clouds; rain late, up to 0.5″.
Tue: 44/33 – Showers tapering; turning colder, breezy north winds.
