Weather
Wisconsin Winter Outlook 2026-27: Milwaukee Snow, Cold Expectations
Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin residents could experience a warmer than normal winter during the 2026 27 season, with Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and communities across the state included in a new federa
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-16T15:43:32.619Z
Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin residents could experience a warmer than normal winter during the 2026 27 season, with Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and communities across the state included in a new federal seasonal outlook. However, significant snowfall and dangerous cold remain possible despite the warmer overall forecast.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA , its seasonal outlook issued Thursday, October 15, favors above normal temperatures across Wisconsin from November 2026 through January 2027. The strongest warming probabilities extend across the northern United States and Great Lakes region.
El Niño Could Influence Wisconsin's Winter
Forecasters indicate that very strong El Niño conditions are highly likely to continue into winter, potentially influencing temperatures and storm tracks across the Midwest.
El Niño typically shifts atmospheric circulation patterns, sometimes favoring milder conditions across Wisconsin and neighboring Great Lakes states.
However, NOAA emphasizes that El Niño changes the odds of certain weather patterns rather than guaranteeing specific outcomes.
What About Snowfall in Milwaukee and Green Bay?
Wisconsin's precipitation outlook varies by location.
Northern portions of the state, including areas near Lake Superior, show a slight preference for below normal precipitation. Much of southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison, falls within an equal chances category, meaning no precipitation outcome is clearly favored.
These projections include both rain and snow and do not directly predict seasonal snowfall totals.
Residents in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Wausau and Eau Claire should remain prepared for snowstorms, icy roads and occasional Arctic cold outbreaks.
Even with above normal temperatures averaged over several months, individual winter storms could still create hazardous conditions along Interstate 94, Interstate 43 and Interstate 41.
NOAA's outlook provides a broad seasonal trend rather than a day by day forecast. Updated predictions will help clarify Wisconsin's winter conditions as December approaches.