Milwaukee woke up to a cold, wind-whipped Thursday along the lakefront, with temperatures in the mid 40s at the shore and a steady northeast breeze making it feel even chillier. A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties, warning of life threatening 3 to 5 foot waves and dangerous currents through Thursday afternoon. Most of the day will stay mostly cloudy with a high near 52°F and only a slight chance of spotty showers during the late morning and afternoon commute.
Today's Forecast
Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high near 52°F, with northeast winds around 10 mph and a slight chance of rain showers roughly between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. NWS Milwaukee notes that relatively dry air near the surface should keep most locations dry despite mid and high level clouds. Lakeshore neighborhoods will run a few degrees cooler than inland spots, so a light jacket is still the smart move for the commute.
Lakefront And Boating Risks
The Beach Hazards Statement calls out dangerous swimming conditions, including strong longshore currents, rip currents and 3 to 5 foot waves. Officials advise avoiding entering the water or walking on piers and breakwalls. Small craft should expect rough nearshore conditions into Friday night, with advisory level conditions likely to persist much of the time, so it is a good day to have a backup plan for any water based outings. Check local beach status and any closures with Milwaukee County Parks before heading to Bradford or McKinley beaches.
Weekend Outlook
Rain chances pick up Friday evening into early Saturday as a low pressure system tracks nearby, with the best odds for measurable rain Friday night. Temperatures then turn notably warmer through the holiday weekend, with highs climbing into the mid 70s by Sunday and Memorial Day Monday. It should be a much nicer stretch for outdoor plans if you can dodge the brief Friday night showers. Keep an eye on later forecasts if you are planning to spend time along the lakefront over the holiday.
