Wisconsin – Pavement glistens under gray skies this morning, not from rain, but from a thin, dangerous glaze of ice. Tires hiss, boots slip, and even cautious steps feel uncertain as winter tightens its grip across southeast Wisconsin on New Year’s Eve.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through this evening for freezing drizzle and lingering light snow. The drizzle may persist into late evening before ending, while slick roads continue well after precipitation fades.
Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Ozaukee counties sit squarely in the impact zone. Light snow may mix in at times, but the greater concern is ice on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps. Travel along I-94, I-43, and I-41 could deteriorate quickly by afternoon and early evening. Allow extra stopping distance and avoid sudden braking.
Temperatures remain stuck in the 20s today, then plunge tonight as arctic air deepens. Wind chills fall to between five below and fifteen below zero into New Year’s Day 2026, making exposed skin sting within minutes. Any moisture left on roads may refreeze, increasing black ice risk for holiday travel.
Light snow chances return late New Year’s Day into Thursday morning. Accumulations stay minor, but even small amounts could worsen already slick conditions. By Friday and into the first weekend of 2026, skies brighten at times, yet cold holds firm. Highs struggle through the 20s, and nights remain sharply cold.
Drivers should slow down, keep emergency kits ready, and plan extra time through tonight and into the holiday. Winter’s pattern remains active, and conditions may change quickly.
Seeing icy roads or drifting snow where you are? Share what travel looks like as 2026 begins.
Five Day Outlook for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Today: Cloudy, freezing drizzle and light snow possible, high near 29
• Tonight: Clearing, bitter cold, low near 7
• New Year’s Day: Partly sunny, very cold, high near 19
• Friday: Sunny, high near 23
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 24
