Accumulating Snow Expected Overnight in Milwaukee, Followed by Dangerous Wind Chills Late This Week
Winter weather advisory targets overnight snowfall as arctic air tightens its grip on southeastern Wisconsin
Milwaukee is headed into another round of accumulating snow late Tuesday, followed by a sharp turn toward dangerously cold conditions later in the week. Forecasts call for snow developing Tuesday night and tapering off before daybreak Wednesday, with travel impacts most likely during the early-morning hours.
A Winter Weather Advisory is posted for Milwaukee County and several surrounding counties from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. The advisory window aligns with the expected period of steadiest snow and the time when untreated roads and sidewalks can become slick quickly as pavement temperatures remain well below freezing.
Current forecast details indicate the highest snowfall totals are most likely along and south of the Interstate 94 corridor. Within the advisory area, projected accumulations generally range from 2 to 5 inches in the heavier band, with lesser amounts expected farther north. Snow is forecast to end close to the morning commute, though light flurries may linger into Thursday.
What the next several days look like
Tuesday (Jan. 20): Cold conditions continue, with a high near 18°F and increasing clouds ahead of the next system.
Tuesday night into early Wednesday (Jan. 20–21): Snow develops after roughly 9 p.m. and continues overnight, then diminishes toward early Wednesday morning.
Wednesday (Jan. 21): Lingering flurries are possible early, followed by cold, overcast conditions with a high near the mid-20s.
Late week (Jan. 22–24): Arctic air arrives with daytime temperatures dropping into the teens Thursday and near or below zero Friday and Saturday, with the coldest mornings expected Friday and Saturday.
Cold-related hazards build late week
Beyond the snow, the most consequential development is the arrival of extreme cold. Forecasts show highs falling to around 15°F Thursday and plunging below zero Friday, with subzero lows continuing into the weekend. Gusty winds at times will further lower apparent temperatures, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone spending extended periods outdoors.
Residents should plan for two separate hazards: short-term slick travel after overnight snow, followed by escalating cold exposure risk late week.
Drivers should anticipate slower travel early Wednesday and allow additional braking distance, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled side streets. Anyone planning outdoor work or recreation later this week should prepare for rapid cold exposure, including covering exposed skin and limiting time outside during the coldest periods.
Conditions can vary sharply across the metro area depending on where heavier snow bands set up. The latest guidance continues to emphasize higher totals closer to the Wisconsin-Illinois state line and along the I-94 corridor.