Fog and mist have descended over Milwaukee this morning, shrouding the city in a cool, moist cloak with temperatures hovering around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Milwaukee, humidity is at a high 93% and visibility has been reduced to six miles, with wind chill values making it feel closer to 30 degrees.
Today's forecast is rather bleak, as cloudy skies will dominate and temperatures are set to peak at a chilly 38 degrees, a northeast wind is expected to pick up the pace between 5 to 15 mph, and, to just add more fun to the mix, gusts may even reach up to 30 mph, further extending the wintry feel for Wisconsinites stepping outdoors. Once the sun goes down, the mostly cloudy evening will gradually clear with the mercury dipping to around 19 degrees Fahrenheit as northwest winds maintain a brisk pace at 10 to 15 mph.
As the week progresses, the Milwaukee area should brace for more than just frigid breezes and cloudy skies. Starting Wednesday, there is a forecasted 60% chance of snow and freezing rain after noon, with possible new ice accumulation of less than 0.1 inches and snow less than half an inch, the NWS warns that a wintry mix of precipitation is "looking likely Wednesday afternoon and night," posing potential hazards for rush hour commutes and thoroughfares slickened by ice.
For those keeping an eye on the weekend, snow remains in the forecast, with a 60% chance of flurries on Saturday and a slightly lower 50 percent chance of continuation into the night, this means there could be both the annoyance of scraping off cars and the potential for treacherous driving conditions as accumulations build throughout the day before giving way to a more pleasant and mostly sunny Sunday with highs near 30 degrees.
For safety and preparedness, residents in the east central, south central, and southeast Wisconsin areas are urged to stay updated on the weather developments. Despite the absence of an immediate call for spotters, the hazardous weather outlook remains in place, reminding community members to keep their guard up against Mother Nature's colder tendencies this time of year. Dense fog advisories might hinder early commuters, so planning for a bit of extra travel time in the mornings could be wise.
