Milwaukee rolled into Friday, April 17 under a thick blanket of fog, with visibility slashed to about a quarter mile and temperatures stalled in the mid-40s. Drivers along the lakefront and travelers heading to Mitchell Airport are in for a slow-go commute through mid-morning as low clouds and mist hang around. The fog is expected to lift by late morning, but the same warm, moist air feeding it will help power a stronger storm system later Friday into Friday night. Officials caution that flooding and damaging winds are possible overnight into Saturday, so it is a good idea to have a plan ready.
What the NWS Says
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 9:00 a.m. CDT Friday, April 17, and a Flood Watch from 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 17 through 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18. Forecasters expect another 1 to 2 inches of rain across the area, with locally higher totals, and warn that some storms could turn severe, capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail. Southeast winds of 5 to 15 mph are forecast this afternoon with gusts near 30 mph, followed by a cooler and breezier turn on Saturday, according to NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan.
Morning Fog And The Commute
Patchy to dense fog will cling to lakefront neighborhoods and low-lying river valleys through mid-morning, cutting visibility on ramps and bridge approaches. Give yourself extra time, stick with low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of room to brake. If your trip is not essential, consider delaying it until the fog lifts. Travelers bound for Mitchell Airport should check airline alerts before heading out, since ground operations may run at a slower pace.
Afternoon Into Night: Keep A Plan B Ready
Storms are expected to ramp up Friday afternoon and become more widespread into the evening, with the greatest severe threat west of the city, though impacts are possible across the Milwaukee metro. With already saturated ground, any heavy bursts of rain can quickly run off into streets and creeks, so do not try to drive through standing water. If you have outdoor plans Friday evening, it is wise to move them indoors or postpone. For more context on the city's water-conservation appeal and how residents are being asked to cut usage, see Milwaukee told to turn off the tap.
Boaters And The Weekend Outlook
Nearshore and small craft advisories are expected on Lake Michigan from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening as onshore winds strengthen and waves build, with visibility also dropping at times in fog and heavy rain. Once the front moves through on Saturday, cooler air settles in, bringing mostly sunny but blustery conditions with highs near 47°F. Keep an eye on local forecasts and be prepared to act on any Flash Flood or Severe Thunderstorm Warnings that may be issued Friday evening.
.jpg){kind=link}