Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Southern Wisconsin is heading into an active stretch of weather as multiple rounds of thunderstorms and building heat create the potential for severe weather and dangerous outdoor conditions from late Saturday through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, thunderstorms are expected to develop late Saturday night and continue at times through Monday evening. While the exact timing and location of each round remain uncertain, Sunday and Monday currently offer the greatest potential for severe thunderstorms, especially across southern Wisconsin.
Communities including Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, Beloit and Fond du Lac should be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Forecast confidence is highest that multiple rounds of storms will affect the region, but the intensity of each round will depend on how earlier storms evolve. Residents planning outdoor events should have multiple ways to receive warnings and be ready to move indoors if severe weather develops.
At the same time, temperatures and humidity will steadily increase through the weekend. Afternoon heat index values are expected to reach the 90s to near 100 degrees, with the hottest conditions arriving Sunday and Monday. Heat Advisories may become necessary for parts of southern Wisconsin if forecast trends continue.
Stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and check on older adults, young children and anyone without reliable air conditioning. If thunderstorms approach, seek shelter immediately, as lightning and damaging winds can develop quickly.
The National Weather Service will continue refining the timing and severity of both the storm threat and the increasing heat, with additional watches, Heat Advisories and severe weather alerts possible through early next week.
