Milwaukee, WI – A light round of flurries moved through southern Wisconsin early Monday, marking the beginning of a turbulent stretch of winter weather. Conditions will steadily deteriorate through midweek as a system brings snow, sleet, and pockets of freezing drizzle to Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine counties, raising concerns for icy travel and reduced visibility.
Winter System to Bring Snow and a Wintry Mix Through Wednesday
According to the National Weather Service office in Milwaukee/Sullivan, light snow is expected late Monday night into Tuesday before gradually transitioning to a wintry mix Tuesday evening. Forecasters note that snowfall amounts will remain modest for most communities, with a dusting to around one inch predicted across the metro region.
Farther north — including Sheboygan and Fond du Lac — totals may climb toward two inches as colder air interacts with the system.
As the precipitation shifts back to snow early Wednesday, untreated roads may become slick once again. This transition, combined with decreasing visibility, could create risks for both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.
Officials Warn of Potential Icy Roads and Hazardous Travel
Meteorologists emphasize that even minor icing on bridges, ramps, and shaded areas may be enough to cause hazardous driving conditions. Forecasters explained that “slick pavement and reduced visibility” are likely during peak travel windows, urging drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and monitor local advisories.
Residents traveling before sunrise on Wednesday should also be prepared for spotty areas of black ice following the overnight wintry mix.
Arctic Blast Expected to Drive Wind Chills to -25°
While the wintry mix will challenge travel early in the week, the more significant threat arrives late week as an Arctic air mass pushes south. By Friday, the region is expected to experience wind chills between -15°F and -25°F, marking the coldest air mass of the season so far.
Temperatures will run well below normal through the weekend, with dangerous cold lingering into early next week.
Cold-related injuries become possible in these conditions, particularly for anyone spending prolonged time outdoors without proper protection. Residents are advised to limit exposure, cover exposed skin, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Five-Day Forecast for Milwaukee
Below is the projected outlook for the Milwaukee area as the winter pattern intensifies:
Tuesday
Rain/snow mix, high 36°F, low 31°F.
Wednesday
Breezy with snow likely early; high 36°F, low 10°F.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy; high 21°F, low 9°F.
Friday
Mostly sunny; high 18°F, low near 0°F. Wind chills may fall to -25°F during early morning hours.
Saturday
Partly sunny; high 24°F with lingering cold.
What Residents Should Prepare For
With multiple hazards unfolding throughout the week, forecasters stress the importance of planning ahead. Drivers should anticipate freezing drizzle and icy surfaces, homeowners should prepare for the cold snap by insulating pipes and checking heating systems, and those venturing outdoors should dress in layers as wind chills plunge toward dangerous levels.
Stay Informed
Weather conditions across Southeast Wisconsin can shift quickly, especially during transitions between snow and ice. Stay updated through local alerts, official weather statements, and community safety notices.
Share your experiences with this week’s winter weather in the comments below.
