Milwaukee Braces for Rainy Christmas and Chilly Week Ahead, NWS Forecasts

The National Weather Service of Milwaukee has issued a rather straightforward forecast for Christmas Day in the Milwaukee area, noting an overcast sky with a high near 38 degrees Fahrenheit and northeast winds ranging 10 to 15 mph. As the day gives way to night, rain is likely to make an appearance after midnight with a substantial 80 percent chance of precipitation. According to the National Weather Service detailed forecast, "Rain, mainly after midnight" is to be expected along with a southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph. The low hovers around 36.

Looking ahead to the next several days, the forecast suggests more of the same dreary chill. Friday carries a 60 percent chance of rain before noon and stays cloudy with a high near 44 degrees. With the southeast wind deciding to shift northwest in the afternoon, the presence of rain becomes less probable as the day progresses. For those out late Friday night, the temperatures are predicted to drop down to a low around 35 degrees with a light northwest wind, as reported by the National Weather Service.

Continuing onto Saturday and through the weekend, the chance of rain lingers. Saturday's outlook expects cloudy skies with a high near 43 degrees and southeast winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph. By Saturday night, chances of rain slightly diminish down to 20 percent. However, by Sunday, they spike back up to a 50 percent likelihood, with overcast conditions and a high near 45 degrees.

The weather is poised to take an even sharper turn come Sunday night when temperatures plummet to around 14 degrees. As the northwest wind picks up to 15 to 20 mph, gusting to as high as 30 mph, there's a looming 40 percent chance of mixed precipitation—rain and snow before midnight, then snow likely. The Monday forecast, as the National Weather Service Milwaukee provides, is mostly sunny with a "high near 21" and remains blustery.

To finish the week, Tuesday will be partly sunny with a high near 26°F. Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with a small chance of snow and a high around 29°F. The National Weather Service warns of possible patchy fog southwest of Madison and a very small chance of freezing rain in central Wisconsin on Christmas night. If you’re traveling or spending time outside, bundle up and be cautious