Wisconsin roads glisten under streetlights as a thin sheen of ice quietly forms. What looks wet at first glance may already be frozen.
Across southern Wisconsin, patchy light freezing drizzle and light snow spread south through the morning hours. According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, the highest risk for freezing drizzle sits north of Highway 18 and along the I-94 corridor, including areas toward Wisconsin Dells, Montello, and Portage.
This system arrives on the leading edge of precipitation, which makes it tricky. Freezing drizzle forms quickly and creates glazing on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Even a thin coating can reduce traction fast. Drivers should expect slick spots during the morning commute and through late morning.
By mid-morning, parts of central and east-central Wisconsin transition to a light snow or a drizzle-snow mix. Snowfall remains light, but a dusting on top of ice worsens braking conditions. Visibility may briefly drop during snow bursts, especially in open areas.
Plan extra travel time through midday, particularly on I-94, I-90, and Highway 151. Slow down on ramps and secondary roads. Crews continue treating major routes, but side streets may remain icy longer.
Conditions gradually improve from west to east early this afternoon as precipitation pushes out. Still, melting during the day followed by colder air later raises black ice concerns heading into tonight.
Looking ahead, snow chances return Monday as winter settles in during the final stretch before Christmas. Even minor systems now can cause outsized impacts due to freezing temperatures and busy holiday travel patterns.
