Milwaukee is waking up on Wednesday, May 20 to a clear, crisp start. Observations at Mitchell International show temperatures sitting near 48°F with a brisk north-northeast breeze. Thanks to onshore flow off Lake Michigan, the high will only reach about 55°F this afternoon, and lakefront neighborhoods will stay noticeably cooler than spots farther inland.
Beach Hazards Tonight Into Thursday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties from 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 through 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21, calling for life-threatening 3 to 5 foot waves and dangerous currents, according to NWS Milwaukee. The statement is blunt: "Stay out of the water and away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls." Structural and longshore currents can quickly pull swimmers into deeper water, and lifeguards and park officials are urging people to avoid swimming while the statement is in effect.
Cool Lake Effect Through Thursday
Mostly sunny skies will stick around through Thursday, with highs again near 55°F and northeast winds around 5 to 10 mph. That steady lake breeze will keep the immediate lakeshore a few degrees cooler than inland neighborhoods. As the afternoon wears on, a stronger lake breeze may push cooler air farther inland, so shoreline spots could feel considerably chillier by evening.
Rain And Thunderstorms Return Friday Night
A warming trend starts to kick in on Friday. There is a chance of showers after 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, with showers and thunderstorms likely Friday night into early Saturday. Some areas could pick up between one half and three quarters of an inch of rain. Saturday looks to stay on the damp side with lingering showers before conditions turn warmer and drier for Memorial Day Monday, May 25, when highs should climb into the mid 70s.
Lakefront Advice
If you were planning to swim or launch small craft, the safest move is to postpone water activities from Wednesday night into Thursday morning and steer clear of piers, breakwalls and known rip-current hotspots. Popular spots like Bradford Beach (2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive) and McKinley Beach (1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive) are being monitored, and visitors are urged to check current advisories with Milwaukee County Parks before heading to the lakefront.
