Severe Weather Threatens Wisconsin on Thursday

Heavy snow, icing, and possible severe storms expected across the state.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:00am

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Wisconsin is bracing for a high-impact weather system that will bring a mix of winter and spring threats on Thursday, including heavy snow in the northwest, significant icing across several counties, and heavy rain with potential severe storms in the southern part of the state.

Why it matters

This severe weather event highlights the unpredictable nature of Wisconsin's climate, which can shift rapidly from winter to spring conditions, posing challenges for residents, businesses, and first responders.

The details

The weather event will play out in two phases, with the overnight hours bringing winter threats like heavy snow and icing, followed by a second phase of spring-like heavy rain and possible severe storms later in the day on Thursday.

  • The winter weather threats will arrive overnight on Wednesday into Thursday morning.
  • The spring-like severe weather is expected to develop on Thursday afternoon and continue into the evening hours.

The players

Wisconsin

The state that will be impacted by the severe weather system.

Marquette University

A university in Wisconsin that has selected an artificial intelligence expert to deliver its upcoming commencement address, which has sparked some student pushback.

Chris Duffey

An artificial intelligence expert and Marquette University alumnus who has been selected to deliver the school's commencement address, despite some student opposition.

Gov. Tony Evers

The governor of Wisconsin who recently announced nearly $1.5 million in funding to support the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program, which aims to provide high-demand job training in fields such as construction, child care, health care, manufacturing, and transportation.

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What they’re saying

“We have to connect the dots to ensure Wisconsinites have the skills they need to fill in-demand jobs across our state.”

— Gov. Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

Residents across Wisconsin should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take appropriate safety precautions as the severe weather system approaches.

The takeaway

This severe weather event underscores the need for Wisconsin to be prepared for the state's rapidly changing climate, which can bring a mix of winter and spring threats that require coordinated emergency response and resilience efforts.