If you were hoping for a serene stroll along the Milwaukee River today without the nuisance of a biting wind, think again. The National Weather Service has issued an alert reminding us that while the sun may shine generously with highs tipping near a comfy 58 degrees, it's the westward winds at 15 mph, gusting up to a boisterous 30 mph, that are bound to steal the show—and possibly your hat. Milwaukeeans should brace themselves for a brisk wind chill knocking temps down to feel more like 39°F, per the latest update from the National Weather Service.
As we gear up to never take our eyes off our thermometers, with nightfall ushering in increased clouds and low temperatures hovering around 38 degrees, the wind intends to mercifully slacken to a gentle 5 to 10 mph. And as we march into tomorrow, we're set to enjoy mostly sunny skies again flirting with the high 50s, but not before the wind decides to swiftly switch directions, veering south in the afternoon—possibly to mess slightly with our hairdos.
Looking ahead, anyone banking on a consistent weather pattern will be mildly comforted by the string of mostly sunny forecasts pegging Wednesday's high at 57 degrees and light westward winds in the evening. However, the special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service cautions us against complacency, pointing out that today's conditions come with an "elevated fire weather" risk due to "increased fire weather concerns for today given warming temperatures and breezy winds combined with low relative humidities (20-35%)."
As the week trudges forward, a notably steady trend keeps the daytime highs in the mid-50s, but Thursday threatens to dampen spirits and lawns alike with a 70% chance of rain come nighttime. Residents should be prepared to practically emerge with umbrellas in tow as the southwest wind takes a backseat post-midnight. Friday continues the moist narrative, dangling a 40 percent chance of rain—mainly before noon—while the weekend seems unable to make up its mind between raindrops or snowflakes. It turns out, Sunday has a chilly date with a 30 percent chance of rain and a high of only about 42, according to the National Weather Service.
