Milwaukee rolled into Wednesday, April 1 under mostly cloudy skies and a chilly 34°F at Mitchell International Airport, with a northeast wind already gusting close to 30 mph. Highs today will only reach the upper 30s before conditions flip later tonight. That blustery start is just the warmup for steady overnight rain and a much warmer, stormier Thursday.
Tonight Into Thursday Morning
Rain showers are expected after 9 p.m. Wednesday and continue into Thursday morning (April 1 to 2), with lows near 34°F and a 90% chance of precipitation overnight. New rainfall amounts of a quarter to a half inch are possible, and areas north of the I‑94 corridor could pick up a light glaze of freezing rain on elevated surfaces, creating slick spots for the Thursday morning commute. Northeast winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph will keep conditions raw, according to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan.
Thursday: Showers and Strong Storms Possible
Thursday, April 2 turns springlike in a hurry, with highs near 63°F as a stronger low moves through the region. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, and some storms could produce heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches locally along with damaging wind gusts during the late afternoon into evening hours. Most of the activity should shift east and out of the area by late Thursday night, but the late afternoon commute could be interrupted by downpours or lightning.
Commute and How to Prepare
Wet roads and gusty winds mean it is a good idea to allow extra travel time Wednesday night and especially Thursday evening. Elevated bridges and overpasses may be the first to get slick if freezing drizzle develops north of I‑94, so plan routes accordingly and drive cautiously. For real-time bus detours and delays, check MCTS service alerts before you head out, and secure loose patio furniture and trash bins ahead of the windier periods.
Lake and Boating Impacts
Conditions on Lake Michigan will be rough: a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through at least 4 a.m. Friday, April 3, and a Gale Watch covers parts of the lake from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2. Expect 5 to 8 foot waves and gusty winds that will make nearshore boating hazardous and produce strong wakes along piers and shoreline. Boat owners and shoreline visitors should postpone nonessential trips and monitor local marine forecasts.
Bottom Line
Plan for steady rain Wednesday night into Thursday, followed by a warmer but unsettled Thursday with the potential for heavy downpours and damaging gusts. Keep an eye on the National Weather Service for any watches or warnings and check local transit and marine advisories before traveling.
