Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Wisconsin is locking into a prolonged stretch of Arctic cold that will shape daily life from late January into early February, with subzero temperatures and extreme wind chills becoming routine and little indication of meaningful relief before Valentine’s Day. From the Lake Michigan shoreline to the pine forests of the Northwoods, winter’s harshest conditions are expected to remain firmly in place.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor below-normal conditions across the Upper Midwest. Repeated surges of Arctic air are expected to reinforce the cold, keeping Wisconsin trapped in a deep winter pattern as February begins.
In Milwaukee, daytime highs may struggle to climb out of the teens during the coldest stretches, while overnight lows frequently drop into the single digits. Gusty winds along Lake Michigan, the Hoan Bridge, and the downtown lakefront will drive wind chills well below zero, creating dangerous exposure conditions for commuters and anyone outdoors. Madison and south-central Wisconsin can expect similar cold, with repeated hard-freeze nights affecting homes, vehicles, and utilities.
Farther north, conditions turn more severe. Green Bay, Wausau, Rhinelander, and Eagle River face extended periods below zero, with some daytime temperatures failing to rise above single digits. In the Northwoods and along U.S. 51 and Highway 29, snowpack combined with persistent Arctic air will limit any daytime warming. Wind chills in exposed areas could reach dangerous levels in minutes.
The prolonged cold raises serious concerns for frostbite, hypothermia, frozen pipes, and power strain. Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, dress in insulated layers, bring pets indoors, and ensure heating systems are operating safely. Drivers should carry winter emergency kits, especially when traveling rural highways or late at night.
While brief moderation may occur at times, longer-range signals suggest Wisconsin’s Arctic grip may not loosen in a meaningful way until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories remain possible as this deep winter pattern continues across the Badger State.
