Wisconsinites are bracing for a wintry mix as the National Weather Service in Milwaukee reports the onset of light snow this morning across southeastern Wisconsin, with an expected accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. According to its latest advisory, visibility has dropped to 1.75 miles due to fog and mist, while the wind chill has dipped to a bitter 22°F.
The weather outlook isn't all gray skies, however. Tonight's forecast predicts clearing with a low around 25, though areas west of Madison are expected to experience elevated fire weather conditions due to low humidity and breezy winds. With tomorrow promising mostly sunny skies and a high near 52, followed by a gradual rise to near 60 degrees by Tuesday, it's a clear reminder of the capricious nature of March weather in the region.
But the reprieve is short-lived, as midweek forecasts suggest more tumultuous conditions. A robust storm system is posed to move through the Midwest, bringing with it the potential for rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and snow from Tuesday night through Wednesday night. Due, to the volatile mix, residents are advised to prepare for a dramatic shift with "rain likely, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 pm" on Wednesday, and temperature falling to around 42 by the evening.
As the week progresses, these unforgiving elements may converge, the NWS warns that "a combination of rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and snow will be possible Tuesday night through Wednesday night." Despite these grimmer prospects, the hazardous weather outlook does not anticipate the need for spotter activation, hinting at the manageable nature of the incoming storm. Meanwhile, Milwaukee and surrounding areas like Racine, and Kenosha, should maintain vigilance as the spell of inclement weather unfolds.
As the state rides out the tail end of the week, residents can look forward to a more serene respite. Forecasts for Thursday and Friday indicate a 20 percent chance of snow before 1 pm on Thursday but give way to mostly sunny conditions, with highs reaching up to 47 degrees by Friday. Though the weekend teeters with a chance of rain, partly sunny skies are expected to prevail with temperatures hovering around the upper 40s.
