Milwaukee is starting Wednesday on the chilly side at about 52°F under mostly cloudy skies at General Mitchell International Airport, and the wind is not exactly helping. Northwest gusts up to 30 mph this afternoon will keep the high near 61°F and make the lakefront feel cooler than inland neighborhoods. Expect a blustery day that can shake lightweight outdoor gear and make boat launches more hassle than fun.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Through the afternoon, sustained northwest winds near 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph will be enough to nudge your car on bridges and exposed stretches of roadway, so drivers should be ready for occasional crosswinds. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan into the afternoon, and small boats and kayaks are better off sticking to sheltered harbors, with life jackets strongly recommended, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight And Thursday
Skies clear out tonight with a low near 41°F, and some inland low spots could slip into the mid-30s. That opens the door for patchy frost in inland counties such as Green Lake, Marquette and Dodge. Winds will ease as high pressure settles in, setting up a brighter Thursday with more sunshine, lighter northeast breezes and highs around 61°F. There is a slight chance of rain showers late Thursday night into early Friday in some areas, so it is worth a quick forecast check before locking in Friday morning plans.
Weekend Warm Up And Storm Chances
The pattern flips to warmer late this week into the weekend, with highs near 75°F on Friday and climbing into the upper 70s to around 81°F Saturday and Monday as more humid southerly air moves in. Showers and thunderstorms become a better bet Saturday night into Sunday and again Monday, with the strongest storms most likely over the weekend and Monday afternoon into evening. Forecasters are still fine-tuning the timing and intensity, and the National Weather Service will have updated details.
What To Do
Tie down patio furniture, secure trash cans and any other loose items, and hold off on small-boat outings until the lake settles down. Gardeners away from the lakeshore should be ready to cover tender plants tonight, and anyone banking on a big outdoor weekend should keep an eye on the forecast before heading out.
