Wet April Leads To Soggy Start Of May In WI: Milwaukee Forecast

MILWAUKEE, WI — A cold, wet April has ended, leaving a chilly start to May in southeast Wisconsin. The average temperature in April was slightly colder than usual, with significantly more rain and snow in Milwaukee, forecasters from the National Weather Service said.

This effect is in line with what climatologists predicted in the fall, with the Great Lakes region experiencing wetter conditions and milder temperatures over the winter. The Climate Prediction Center's latest seasonal outlooks shows great odds for above-average temperatures across nearly the entire United States, including most of the Badger State.

Forecasters expect above-average temperatures and rain in Wisconsin for the next eight to 14 days. As climate normals adjust, climatologists report that Wisconsin could see higher temperatures and more precipitation.

La Niña, the phenomenon that causes cold, wet winter weather, has a 59 percent chance of continuing into the summer, according to forecasters. The phenomenon influences hurricane season and springtime tornado activity, and it can increase the chance of drought in some regions.

A Gloomy First Week In May

The first seven days in May are expected to have cloudy skies and sporadic rain, but temperatures will steadily rise, AccuWeather reported. The first mostly sunny day should be Saturday, with a high of 59 degrees and a 5 percent chance of precipitation.

Forecasters expect rain and a breezy afternoon with a high of 45 on Tuesday, and some clouds and sun with a high of 52 on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather. Chances for rain will return Friday, but the days will be mostly sunny afterward.

Here's a Milwaukee area forecast for the next five days.

• Tuesday: 45°/36° (Rainy morning, breezy afternoon)
• Wednesday: 52°/38° (Some sun and clouds)
• Thursday: 54°/44° (Cloudy, shower in the P.M.)
• Friday: 55°/43° (A few showers in the A.M.)
• Saturday: 59°/43° (Mostly sunny)