Wisconsin – Fog hangs over parts of southeastern Wisconsin this morning, reducing visibility for commuters while a much more dangerous lakeshore threat begins to build along Lake Michigan. By the time beachgoers head toward the shoreline later today and Tuesday, powerful waves and dangerous currents will make entering the water extremely hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. CDT for Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha counties, where visibility could fall to one-half mile or less. Drivers should slow down, use headlights and leave extra following distance during the morning commute. Forecasters also warn that a Beach Hazards Statement takes effect late today through Wednesday morning, with 4- to 6-foot waves, dangerous structural and longshore currents, and a high risk of rip currents expected along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Sheboygan to Kenosha counties.
The weather remains active beyond the morning fog. A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops by late morning and continues into the afternoon around Milwaukee. While not every community will see heavy rain, some storms could become strong as they move across southeastern Wisconsin. Motorists on Interstates 43, 94 and 794 should be prepared for reduced visibility in heavier downpours and changing road conditions.
Anyone visiting Bradford Beach, McKinley Beach, Grant Park Beach or other Lake Michigan beaches should remain out of the water once hazardous wave conditions develop. Waves of four to six feet can quickly overpower even experienced swimmers, while currents near piers and breakwalls become especially dangerous.
Conditions improve inland by Tuesday afternoon as sunshine gradually returns, although brisk northerly winds will keep the lake rough. By Wednesday, sunny skies and highs in the lower 80s return, followed by warmer weather later in the week before another round of showers and thunderstorms becomes possible Thursday night into Friday.
Looking farther ahead, the 6-to-10-day outlook continues to favor above-normal temperatures, suggesting a warmer pattern will persist across Wisconsin into early August.
Five-Day Forecast for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Today: High 87°. 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after midmorning. Patchy fog early.
- Tuesday: High 78°. Becoming sunny and breezy.
- Wednesday: Sunny with a high near 82°.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high near 88°.
- Friday: High 82°. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
