Milwaukee is soaking up a mild, mostly sunny Thursday, with temperatures headed for the upper 40s this afternoon. But this pleasant stretch is on borrowed time, as a fast-moving low pressure system is set to roll in late tonight, bringing rain that flips to wet snow and could turn parts of the Friday morning commute into a slushy mess.
Rain Tonight, Changeover to Snow
A Colorado low tracking across Lake Michigan is expected to push showers into the area after about 4 p.m. Thursday, with rain becoming steadier later in the evening and heaviest overnight. Totals through the night could land around a quarter to a half inch in many locations, then mix and transition to rain and snow late Thursday night into early Friday. Snow accumulation should stay limited along the lakeshore, with better chances for higher totals inland and toward Madison and points west, according to the National Weather Service.
Where Snow Could Stick
The late-night timing of the changeover will work in favor of those right along Lake Michigan, where relatively warmer lake-influenced air should keep many shoreline spots mostly wet. Inland and western areas are in line for the best shot at measurable snow, with a general expectation of a trace to 2 inches and the potential for locally higher amounts if narrow snow bands manage to set up.
Friday Commute and Winds
Temperatures dip into the low 30s overnight, and north to northwest winds pick up on Friday, with sustained speeds around 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to about 35 mph possible. That combo could turn the Friday morning drive into a bit of a grind, especially away from the lakeshore, where slushy or windblown conditions may make some roads slick.
Weekend Outlook
By late Friday morning, the system looks to move out, leaving behind drier weather and cooler, near-seasonal temperatures for the weekend. Highs settle in the mid 30s on Saturday. A few light flurries are possible Saturday night into Sunday, but no significant storm systems are expected through early next week.
How To Prepare
If you are heading out late Thursday or early Friday, grab an umbrella for the evening rain and plan a little extra drive time, especially if you travel inland or west of the city where roads are more likely to turn slushy. For up-to-the-minute road and camera conditions, check 511 Wisconsin and the National Weather Service forecast page before you leave.
