Potent Storm Barrels Down On Milwaukee And Beyond: WI Weather

MILWAUKEE, WI — A powerful late-winter storm is set to hit the Milwaukee metro area and much of southern Wisconsin on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing a mix of severe weather and accumulating snow.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening, with the potential for strong winds, hail, and even an isolated tornado near the southern state line, according to the National Weather Service.

As temperatures drop Wednesday night, rain will quickly transition to snow, with gusty winds leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Snowfall totals will vary widely, with areas north and west of Milwaukee seeing the highest amounts.

Milwaukee and surrounding areas, including Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha, are expected to see less than an inch to around 2 inches of snow, with some spots potentially reaching 3 inches.

Areas just to the north and west, such as West Bend, Watertown, and Whitewater, are looking at 1 to 4 inches, while places farther inland, like Fond du Lac, Portage, and Wisconsin Dells, could pick up 2 to 6 inches or more.

The highest totals, in the 4 to 8-inch range, are more likely in central Wisconsin, particularly in spots like Berlin, Montello, and Wisconsin Dells. Snowfall amounts will depend on how quickly the rain changes over and how much moisture remains as temperatures drop Wednesday night.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Milwaukee Airport:

Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the morning.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then rain likely. High near 53. East wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 4am. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 28. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of snow before 1pm. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: Rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 40%.