Madison, Wisconsin – South-central Wisconsin remains locked in a prolonged winter pattern as lingering cold temperatures keep the risk for additional snowstorms elevated through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter systems of the season.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across Wisconsin are expected to remain below normal for an extended stretch. With cold air firmly entrenched, any storm system tracking through the Upper Midwest would favor snow, and longer-range outlooks continue to support an active pattern capable of producing periods of heavy accumulation.
The concern follows Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and impacted more than two dozen states. Fern delivered significant snowfall across Wisconsin, with heavier totals reported across southern and central portions of the state. In south-central Wisconsin, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility caused travel disruptions along Interstates 39, 90, and 94, while school schedules and daily commutes were widely affected.
As cold conditions linger, communities from Madison and Janesville to Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, and the Wisconsin Dells could face renewed disruptions if similarly strong systems develop. Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials warn that repeated snow events, combined with persistent cold, can quickly lead to icy road surfaces, especially during overnight and early morning hours when snow compacts and refreezes.
Emergency management officials are encouraging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and keeping emergency kits stocked with food, water, and batteries. Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel during snow events and to monitor WisDOT road condition updates closely.
While the exact timing of any individual storm remains uncertain, forecasters say the broader pattern supports continued winter impacts. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the threat of heavy snow likely remaining a regular concern across south-central Wisconsin through mid-February.
