Milwaukee woke up on the cool side this morning, Thursday, May 14, with clear skies over the city and temperatures at Milwaukee’s airport sitting at roughly 41°F. That brisk start will not stick around for long. Sunshine is set to push afternoon highs to around 61°F, then a surge of south wind will send temperatures into the 70s on Friday, May 15, and toward 80°F by Saturday, May 16. Outdoor plans look tempting, but keep them flexible as humidity climbs and scattered thunderstorm chances move in over the weekend and into early next week.
This Afternoon And Tonight
Sunshine will rule Thursday afternoon with east winds around 0–10 mph and a high near 61°F. Tonight turns mostly cloudy, with a low near 45°F and a slight chance of rain showers after 1 a.m. Friday, May 15. The best odds for those showers sit north of the city, so many Milwaukee neighborhoods are likely to stay dry, according to the National Weather Service Milwaukee.
Friday Through Monday
Friday, May 15 will feel more like late spring. Expect a breezy day with south winds of 10–15 mph and highs near 73°F, with stronger gusts possible inland. From Friday night into early Saturday, a few showers or isolated storms may pop up. Saturday, May 16 is on track to be the warmest day so far, with highs near 80°F and about a 50% chance of showers or thunderstorms.
Looking ahead, Monday, May 18 could run even hotter, with highs near 85°F and additional thunderstorm potential, so event organizers would be wise to keep a backup plan ready. For recent context on how quickly late spring wind and storms can ramp up in the area, check out our south wind smackdown from earlier this season.
Lakefront And Boaters
A southeast lake breeze should kick in by midday and will keep shoreline spots a few degrees cooler than inland neighborhoods, especially Friday afternoon. Boaters, however, will want to keep a closer eye on the forecast. South and southwest winds are expected to increase Friday into Friday night, and the National Weather Service Milwaukee notes that a Small Craft Advisory may be needed for nearshore waters, with a few gales possible in the northern part of the lake. Check conditions before you launch and be prepared for choppy waves and gusty winds.
Plan Ahead
For Thursday, a light layer will help with the morning chill, while sunscreen becomes your best friend under the afternoon sun. As you move into weekend mode, keep a light rain jacket handy and think twice before locking in any must-stay-outside plans from Saturday, May 16 through Monday, May 18. Lightning and heavy downpours could roll in with limited advance notice. Stay tuned to local forecast updates and advisories as the warmup and storm chances build over the next several days.
-2.webp?w=160&h=400&fit=crop&crop=edges)