Weather
Wisconsin Thanksgiving Travel: Snow, Ice Concerns Nov. 18–24
Milwaukee, WI – Thanksgiving travelers across Wisconsin could face an increasingly unsettled weather pattern as precipitation chances rise heading into November 18–24, bringing growing attention to po
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-11-11T05:32:40.734Z
Milwaukee, WI – Thanksgiving travelers across Wisconsin could face an increasingly unsettled weather pattern as precipitation chances rise heading into November 18–24, bringing growing attention to possible snow, freezing rain, ice and winter storm conditions during the busy holiday travel period.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across Wisconsin and much of the Midwest from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The outlook highlights a widespread wet pattern extending from the western United States into the central Plains and Great Lakes. Portions of the nation's Heartland reach 70–80% probabilities of above normal precipitation, while Wisconsin falls within the broader region of elevated precipitation chances.
Milwaukee, Madison and Southeastern Wisconsin Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Madison and Janesville could experience periods of unsettled weather as the precipitation pattern develops.
Travelers using Interstate 94, Interstate 90 and Interstate 43 should watch for changing conditions, particularly if colder air allows rain to transition into snow or freezing precipitation.
Green Bay, Appleton and Central Wisconsin Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Stevens Point and Wausau are also included in the wetter than normal outlook.
Snow, sleet and freezing rain could become concerns if developing storm systems encounter sufficiently cold temperatures, potentially affecting travel along Interstate 41 and Highway 29.
Northern Wisconsin: Winter Weather Concerns Rhinelander, Minocqua, Hayward, Rice Lake, Superior and surrounding northern communities could face winter precipitation if colder air overlaps with the approaching wet pattern.
Travelers across northern Wisconsin should monitor updated forecasts for possible snow accumulation, icy roads and reduced visibility.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Snow and Ice Develop? The elevated precipitation signal arrives as Wisconsin residents prepare for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
While NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the region, that does not eliminate the possibility of snow or freezing precipitation during colder periods.
The outlook indicates the probability of above normal precipitation rather than specific snowfall or ice accumulation forecasts.
With the November 18–24 period extending into the beginning of Thanksgiving week, Wisconsin travelers should closely monitor upcoming forecasts for changes in storm tracks, temperatures and potential winter weather impacts.