Milwaukee started Friday under clear, chilly skies, but the day is set to flip into a surprisingly mild and breezy afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-to-upper 50s with mostly sunny skies, and southwest winds will strengthen as the day goes on. The quick warm-up is unusual for late February and could easily send loose outdoor items tumbling along the lakefront.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds are forecast to ramp up to 5 to 20 mph this afternoon, with gusts that could reach 30 mph, and a Small Craft Advisory is in effect for nearshore Lake Michigan waters from mid-morning into late tonight. The cold front moving through tonight is expected to be dry, but forecasters say a more significant system will bring accumulating snow Saturday, with most areas seeing 1 to 2 inches and a narrow band of 3 to 4 inches possible north of I-94. Secure patio furniture, expect gusty conditions on exposed bridges and lakeshore parks, and check updates from the National Weather Service in Milwaukee.
Snow Likely Saturday
Snow is expected to arrive after about 9 AM Saturday and taper from west to east late in the day. Moderate bands could briefly knock visibility down to 1 to 2 miles and lead to quick accumulation. Saturday night will turn much colder, with lows dropping into the teens, so any slushy spots are likely to refreeze after sunset. The exact placement of the heavier snow band is still uncertain, and small shifts in the storm track could change which areas end up with the higher totals.
Plan Ahead
Drivers should be ready for sudden slick spots Saturday, and cyclists should prepare for gusty crosswinds today, especially on more exposed routes. Boaters are urged to stay off the open lake while the advisory is in effect. We wrote about late-week brief snow bursts earlier this week, and you can revisit our look at quick-hitting snow bursts for background, and we will update readers if any advisories change. Check local transit alerts and official forecasts before heading out this weekend.
