Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin is preparing for a snowy and unsettled stretch of weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal precipitation statewide and temperatures ranging from below-normal in the north to near-normal in the south. This combination favors widespread snow, lake-effect bursts, and pockets of mixed precipitation as Christmas Eve approaches.
According to NOAA, northern Wisconsin—including Rhinelander, Ashland, Ironwood, and the Lake Superior shoreline—falls solidly within the below-normal temperature zone, strongly increasing the potential for accumulating snow throughout the period. Lake-effect snow is likely at times from December 19–23, producing locally heavier totals along U.S. 2 and Highway 51.
Central regions—including Wausau, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, and Appleton—will see consistent system snow with occasional sleet or freezing drizzle when temperatures hover near freezing. Snow accumulations are likely from December 20–23, with the heaviest travel disruptions expected late in the period.
Southern Wisconsin—including Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Janesville, and Waukesha—sits in a near-normal temperature zone where precipitation may begin as a mix at times. However, colder air arriving December 22–24 should transition precipitation toward wet snow as Christmas Eve approaches.
Major routes—including I-94, I-43, I-90, I-41, and U.S. 151—may face slick roads, reduced visibility, drifting snow, and slowdowns, especially December 21–24.
