Milwaukee woke up early Friday, July 10, to clear skies mixed with pockets of patchy, at times dense, fog, with the worst visibility hugging the lakefront and low-lying neighborhoods. Forecasters expect the fog to lift shortly after sunrise, giving way to a mostly sunny afternoon with a high near 774F and light northeast winds. If you are heading out this morning, build in extra time for the commute and be ready for sudden drops in visibility on lakeshore streets.
Fog And The Morning Commute
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee reports that calm winds and high humidity near the lake could drop visibilities to a quarter mile in localized spots before dawn, though 245 miles will be more common elsewhere. Most of the fog should clear by mid-morning, and an isolated thunderstorm is possible well west of the city later in the afternoon. NWS Milwaukee is advising drivers and pilots to be ready for brief low-visibility conditions near the lakeshore.
Afternoon And Weekend Outlook
Once the fog burns off, Friday is expected to turn mostly sunny with a high near 774F, while northeast winds stay on the lighter side around 5410 mph. Saturday, July 11, is on track to stay sunny with highs near 814F, and Sunday, July 12, should warm into the mid-80s away from the lakeshore, where a lake breeze will knock temperatures down a few degrees. Humidity is expected to remain modest through the weekend, which means heat-index values should stay close to the actual air temperatures.
Heat Returns Early Next Week
A stronger warm pattern is set to build early next week. On Monday, July 13, temperatures are forecast to climb to about 924F, with widespread 90s expected through Tuesday, July 14, as southwest winds drag warmer air inland. Heat-index values could reach the mid-90s in inland neighborhoods, so it is smart to plan outdoor activities for morning or evening hours and check on pets and older relatives during the peak heat. Beaches and lakeside parks are the best bets for a bit of relief if a lake breeze develops in the afternoons.
Local Context
This pattern shift first popped up in late June; for background on the setup, see Hoodline's June 26 update. Keep an eye on forecasts if you have outdoor plans later next week, since the warmup can come on quickly once it gets started.
