Milwaukee woke up to clear skies and a cool 61°F early Thursday, July 23, 2026, a low-key start before the warmup on deck. The forecast calls for sunny skies with a high near 76°F and light south winds around 5 mph, setting up a comfortable day for anything outdoors. The dry stretch holds into Friday, then temperatures and humidity start to climb as the weekend rolls in.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
Patchy fog could develop in low-lying river valleys this morning, but it should thin out shortly after sunrise, giving way to fair-weather diurnal cumulus by late morning. A southeast lake breeze is expected to set up along Lake Michigan this afternoon, which will keep shoreline neighborhoods a few degrees cooler, according to the National Weather Service.
Warm Weekend, Storm Risk Late
Temperatures climb through the weekend, with mid 80s expected Saturday, upper 80s Sunday and a shot at about 90°F by Monday as southerly winds usher in warmer, more humid air. A warm front late Sunday into Sunday night will bump up the chance for showers and thunderstorms to roughly 20–30%, and a few storms could be on the strong side. Outdoor plans from Sunday evening into Monday morning may need a quick pivot if storms fire up, according to the National Weather Service.
Lakefront And Boaters
Boaters and beachgoers should note that waves could build to 3–4 feet north of Port Washington by Friday evening, and a moderate swim risk may develop at beaches in Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties, where choppy water and stronger currents are possible. If you are heading to Bradford Beach or the Milwaukee lakefront, expect a cooler shoreline and a developing lake breeze. For background on recent shoreline fog and forecast patterns, see sticky skies and storm shots.
Plan Ahead
Morning commutes through Friday look dry and mostly uneventful, so no major weather excuses there. For Sunday evening plans, have a backup ready in case storms move through. As humidity returns, stay hydrated and check the latest local updates before boating or heading out on the lake.
