Wisconsin greets the day under a steel-gray sky as bitter wind cuts across open ground and rattles bare branches. The cold feels immediate, biting hard at faces and hands just steps outside the door.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for much of southern Wisconsin through midday. Morning temperatures near 4 degrees combine with northwest winds to produce wind chills as low as 25 below zero. Officials warn frostbite can develop quickly without proper protection.
Travel remains a concern across the Milwaukee metro. Gusty winds sweep across I-94, I-43, and I-41, while lightly trafficked roads cool fast. Even where pavement looks dry, melted snow can refreeze, especially on bridges and ramps. Drivers should slow down and expect slick patches during the morning hours.
Clouds linger early, then break at times as the day unfolds. Highs struggle to reach the single digits. Tonight turns sharply colder again, with lows near 5 below zero. Wind chills drop back into the teens below zero, keeping outdoor exposure dangerous.
Tuesday stays cold but calmer, with sunshine and highs near 14 degrees. Winds increase again, keeping the air feeling harsher than the thermometer suggests. By Wednesday, conditions improve slightly. Highs reach the low teens with lighter winds, offering limited relief.
Late week brings gradual moderation. Thursday and Friday trend into the mid-teens with a small chance for light snow showers. Any snow that melts during daylight hours may refreeze quickly after sunset, raising the risk of flash freezing during evening commutes.
Residents should dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and bring pets indoors. Keep vehicles winter-ready and limit time outside when possible. Heading out this morning? Tell us how the cold feels where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Today: Mostly cloudy, bitter cold, high near 7.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, windy, high near 14.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 11.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, slight snow chance, high near 13.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 16.
