Milwaukee is heading into a soggy stretch, with rain showers expected Wednesday and heavier rain returning Wednesday night into Thursday. The city could see ponding in low-lying areas before cooler, drier weather settles in for the weekend.
Rain Arrives Wednesday And Returns At Night
Wednesday will stay mostly cloudy. Showers are expected mainly before 11 a.m., followed by only a slight chance of drizzle after 1 p.m. The high will be near 67 degrees, with southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. The National Weather Service puts the chance of precipitation at 90%, with a quarter to half an inch possible. The latest Milwaukee forecast gives the timing and rainfall estimate.
Rain is likely Wednesday night, with temperatures dipping to around 63 degrees. Showers are expected, and thunderstorms could develop after 4 a.m. Rainfall amounts around a quarter to half an inch are possible. The National Weather Service forecast gives a 90% chance of precipitation.
Thursday Could Bring The Heaviest Rain
Thursday looks wet, with showers and possibly a thunderstorm and a high near 67 degrees. For Milwaukee, the forecast allows for three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch of additional rain. Across southeast Wisconsin, the National Weather Service says 1 to 3 inches of additional rain are possible through Thursday, with the highest amounts near the Illinois border. The Milwaukee point forecast and regional hazardous-weather outlook provide the estimates.
The National Weather Service says repeated rainfall could lead to rises in rivers and ponding in low-lying areas, especially where heavier downpours linger. A few rumbles of thunder are possible Thursday, though severe weather is not currently the main concern.
Heavy rain can also affect the region’s sewer system. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District says heavy rain increases the water sent to its treatment facilities, and its priorities when too much rain enters the sanitary sewer system include preventing basement backups and protecting the environment. During heavy rain, MMSD asks residents to use less water, such as putting off laundry or dishwashing, through its Water Drop Alert guidance.
Showers have a 40% chance of continuing Thursday night before 1 a.m., with cloudy skies and temperatures falling to around 50 degrees. Drivers should plan for reduced visibility, slick roads and standing water during the heaviest bursts. The National Weather Service forecast gives the overnight rain chance and low.
Standing water can make even familiar roads hazardous. The National Weather Service advises drivers not to enter flooded roadways or go around barricades: water can hide road damage, and its depth is difficult to judge. The agency’s flood-safety guidance says just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet, so drivers should turn around rather than drive through water.
Sunshine Returns For The Weekend
Friday brings a sharp change, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 61 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear and chilly, with a low around 47.
Saturday and Sunday should stay mostly sunny, with highs near 60 and 62 degrees, respectively. Overnight lows will remain brisk in the 40s, giving Milwaukee a distinctly fall-like finish after the midweek rain.
Lake Michigan Conditions Remain Rougher North
Anyone heading toward Lake Michigan should use extra caution Wednesday. A high swim risk remains for Sheboygan County beaches into early evening, while a Small Craft Advisory is in effect today for waters north of Port Washington. The National Weather Service’s latest local outlook urges people to stay out of the water and away from piers and breakwalls.
