Frigid Monday: Milwaukee Gripped by Single-Digit Highs and Bitter Wind Chills

Morning: A Sunny but Bitter Start

Milwaukee residents are waking up to a dangerously cold morning this Monday, January 26, 2026. While the sun is expected to be prominent throughout the early hours, the clear skies offer no respite from the arctic air mass settled over the region. Temperatures are starting near 0°F, with the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan maintaining a Cold Weather Advisory until 12:00 PM CST today. Wind chills are the primary concern during the morning commute, with values plunging into the -20s due to steady northwest winds.

Afternoon: Clouds Mix with the Chill

As we move into the afternoon, the city will see a mix of sunshine and increasing cloud cover. Despite the bright intervals, the mercury will struggle to rise, with a projected high of only 6°F. Winds out of the west are expected to persist at 10 to 15 mph, occasionally gusting up to 26 mph. These conditions mean that exposed skin can suffer frostbite in a matter of minutes, and city officials are urging anyone outdoors to dress in multiple layers and limit their exposure. The biting wind will make the 6-degree high feel significantly colder, keeping the city in a deep freeze through the end of the traditional workday.

Evening: Overcast Skies and Late Flurries

By the evening hours, the late afternoon clouds will thicken into a solid overcast deck. Temperatures will begin their slow descent back toward the low single digits, hovering around 4°F. While the day remains largely dry, a high-pressure system passing through the Great Plains continues to funnel cold air into Wisconsin. Residents should be prepared for a minor chance of light flurries developing around 10:00 PM. Although no significant accumulation is expected from these overnight flurries, visibility may briefly decrease on local roads like I-94 and I-43.

Safety and City Resources

Due to the prolonged period of extreme cold, several health and safety measures remain in place across the city:

• Cold Weather Advisory: In effect until noon today for Milwaukee County and surrounding areas.
• Warming Centers: Locations such as St. Ben's Parish and the Milwaukee Rescue Mission have been designated as warming sites for those in need of shelter from the elements.
• Travel Hazards: While roads are mostly clear of new snow, the extreme cold can impact vehicle battery life and tire pressure; drivers are encouraged to carry emergency kits.

Looking ahead, the frigid trend is set to continue through mid-week, with Tuesday morning predicted to be even windier. Stay warm and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to these harsh winter conditions.