Weather
Southeast Wisconsin Weather Alert: 30% Storm Risk Oct 28-29
Milwaukee, WI – A noticeable shift in late October weather is approaching southeastern Wisconsin as temperatures rebound into the 70s Wednesday before showers and possible thunderstorms return late We
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-25T09:53:33.065Z
Milwaukee, WI – A noticeable shift in late October weather is approaching southeastern Wisconsin as temperatures rebound into the 70s Wednesday before showers and possible thunderstorms return late Wednesday night. After a cooler start to the workweek, Milwaukee could reach 71 degrees Wednesday, followed by increasing rain chances Thursday and another unsettled period heading into Halloween. The National Weather Service places the chance of precipitation at 30% late Wednesday night and Thursday, with rain chances climbing to 40% Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee, Wednesday is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 71 degrees, accompanied by south winds of 5 to 15 mph. Conditions become more unsettled after 1 a.m. Thursday, when a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms enters the forecast. Thursday afternoon temperatures should reach approximately 66 degrees, with scattered showers possible mainly before 1 p.m.
Rain and Thunderstorm Chances Increase Wednesday Night The midweek weather transition follows several days of changing temperatures across the Milwaukee area. Sunday's high near 73 degrees gives way to a much cooler Monday, when northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph accompany mostly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching only 57 degrees. Tuesday brings a modest recovery to 61 degrees before Wednesday's stronger warming trend.
That progression creates a 14 degree increase in afternoon highs between Monday and Wednesday. Although the temperature recovery should make Wednesday one of the more comfortable days of the week, the approaching chance of showers and thunderstorms could complicate late night travel and early Thursday plans. The forecast does not indicate a specific severe thunderstorm threat for Milwaukee.
Thursday Rain Could Affect Morning Commuters The greatest immediate travel concern centers on the possibility of wet pavement during Thursday's morning commute. Showers developing late Wednesday night could linger into Thursday morning, particularly before 1 p.m. Motorists using Interstate 94, Interstate 43 and Interstate 794 may encounter changing road conditions wherever precipitation develops.
However, the 30% precipitation probability means widespread rainfall is not guaranteed. Drivers should monitor updated radar information before leaving home, especially if traveling during the early morning hours. No road closures or significant traffic disruptions are indicated in the supplied forecast.
Thursday should also bring some improvement as the day progresses, with mostly sunny skies expected despite the chance of earlier showers. Afternoon temperatures are forecast near 66 degrees, approximately five degrees below Wednesday's high. Thursday night remains partly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 51 degrees and a 20% chance of showers developing after 1 a.m.
Halloween Weekend Brings Another Rain Chance Friday offers a partly sunny afternoon with temperatures reaching approximately 68 degrees, although a 20% chance of showers remains. Rain chances increase Friday night to 30%, with mostly cloudy skies and a low near 55 degrees.
By Saturday, Oct. 31, the National Weather Service expects mostly cloudy skies, a high near 67 degrees and a 40% chance of showers. That forecast introduces some uncertainty for Halloween celebrations, particularly outdoor neighborhood events and daytime activities.
The available forecast does not specify Saturday evening rainfall timing, making it too early to determine whether trick or treating hours will be affected. Families planning outdoor celebrations may want to keep a backup option available while checking updated forecasts later in the week.
Overall, Milwaukee faces a changing pattern of cooler early week weather, midweek warmth and periodic rain chances heading into Halloween.
Will the possibility of showers change your Halloween plans in southeastern Wisconsin?
Five Day Weather Outlook Tuesday 10/27: Partly sunny skies are expected with a high near 61 degrees and southeast winds around 10 mph. Tuesday night becomes mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 51 degrees and southeast winds near 5 mph.
Wednesday 10/28: Mostly sunny conditions will push temperatures near 71 degrees, with south winds of 5 to 15 mph. Wednesday night brings a low around 53 degrees and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m.
Thursday 10/29: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m., accompanies an otherwise mostly sunny day with a high near 66 degrees. Thursday night cools to 51 degrees, with a 20% chance of showers after 1 a.m.
Friday 10/30: Partly sunny skies and a high near 68 degrees are expected, with a 20% chance of showers during the day. Friday night becomes mostly cloudy, with a low near 55 degrees and a 30% chance of showers.
Saturday 10/31: Halloween brings mostly cloudy skies, a high near 67 degrees and a 40% chance of showers. The forecast does not yet specify precipitation timing for Saturday evening or provide an overnight low.
Extended Weather Outlook The supplied Milwaukee forecast extends through Saturday, Oct. 31. Specific six to 10 day temperature and precipitation outlook probabilities were not provided, so confidence in weather conditions during early November cannot be established from the available information.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center's national discussion for Oct. 25 27 describes a frontal system affecting portions of the Upper Great Lakes and central United States. However, it does not establish a severe weather threat for Milwaukee later in the week.