Milwaukee woke to clear skies and a raw temperature near 276F Saturday morning, but the quiet will not last. A strong late-winter system moves in Saturday night, March 14, and will impact the region through Monday, March 16, with a shifting mix of light snow, rain, then heavier snow and gusty winds that could make travel a headache, as per the National Weather Service Milwaukee.
Timing And Watches
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, through 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, warning of significant travel impacts and strong winds, especially during the Monday commute, according to the National Weather Service Milwaukee. Forecasters call for total snow accumulations of roughly 4 to 7 inches across parts of southern Wisconsin, with locally higher amounts and gusts that could reach 45 to 60 mph.
Weekend Timeline
Saturday night into Sunday morning (March 14 to 15) will likely start with a chance of light snow and a dusting in spots, with new accumulation of less than an inch possible, before a warm surge flips most precipitation to rain across much of the metro on Sunday. Sunday looks milder, with highs near the upper 40s and east winds. Some neighborhoods could see a quarter to a half inch of rain and a few thunderstorms during the afternoon, as discussed in our March 10 update.
Sunday Night Into Monday
Late Sunday evening into Monday, colder air wraps back around the low and fires up a band of heavier, sometimes wet snow. The NWS notes new snow totals of 3 to 7 inches in southern Wisconsin, with areas of blowing snow that could knock visibility down to near whiteout conditions. Northwest winds will strengthen behind the system, with gusts potentially up to 50 mph in exposed spots. That combination could make travel very difficult and raise the chance of scattered power outages, per NWS Milwaukee.
How To Prepare
If you have to travel, try to shift trips to avoid Sunday night and Monday, when roads may be slick and visibility can tank quickly in heavier bands. Charge phones, keep emergency kits and extra blankets in vehicles, and secure or stash loose outdoor items before the wind picks up. Keep an eye on local closures and alerts overnight, and check the NWS forecast page and local transportation updates before heading out.
