Weather
Southern Wisconsin Weather: Near-Record Heat Monday, Rain Thursday Oct 15
Milwaukee, WI – Southern Wisconsin residents could experience near record October warmth on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, with afternoon temperatures reaching as high as 86 degrees before cooler, wet
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-11T20:12:00.545Z
Milwaukee, WI – Southern Wisconsin residents could experience near record October warmth on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, with afternoon temperatures reaching as high as 86 degrees before cooler, wetter weather arrives later in the week.
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan office, unusually mild conditions will continue through Tuesday, with near record highs expected Monday and a small chance of showers and thunderstorms across eastern Wisconsin.
Columbus Day Temperatures Could Reach 86 Degrees
Monday afternoon highs are forecast between 79 and 86 degrees across southern Wisconsin, bringing temperatures more typical of summer than mid October.
The unusually warm conditions could approach historical daily temperature records in parts of the region.
Residents in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and surrounding communities can expect a warm holiday, although scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop across eastern Wisconsin during the afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service indicates that rain chances will remain relatively limited Monday, with the warmest overnight temperatures expected near the lakefront.
Monday night lows are forecast between 62 and 67 degrees.
Cooler Weather Arrives After Tuesday
Tuesday will remain mild, with highs ranging from 73 to 79 degrees before temperatures begin dropping more noticeably.
By Wednesday, afternoon highs are expected to fall into the 63 to 68 degree range, with overnight lows between 45 and 54 degrees.
The cooldown will continue Thursday, when highs are forecast between 60 and 65 degrees.
Thursday night temperatures could fall into the lower 40s, with lows ranging from 42 to 50 degrees.
Rain Chances Increase Later This Week
The National Weather Service expects wetter conditions to develop later in the week, with rain likely Thursday.
Residents traveling during Columbus Day should monitor changing conditions, particularly across eastern Wisconsin, where isolated showers and thunderstorms could interrupt outdoor plans.
The transition from near record warmth to cooler, wetter weather will bring a noticeable change across southern Wisconsin heading toward the weekend.