Milwaukee Weather: Bitter Cold Continues, Weekend Warm-Up Ahead

Southern Wisconsin stays mostly dry and quiet through Thursday, but wind chills below zero at night.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:55am

Southern Wisconsin will experience bitter cold temperatures through Friday, with highs in the single digits to low teens and wind chills below zero at night. Lake-effect snow chances increase late Thursday night into Friday and could linger into Saturday, mainly near Lake Michigan. By Sunday into Monday, a clipper system may bring a more widespread round of snow with temperatures moderating slightly into the 20s.

Why it matters

The ongoing bitter cold and potential for lake-effect snow in the Milwaukee area can impact daily activities, travel, and school/business operations. Residents need to be prepared for the cold and monitor weather conditions closely.

The details

Forecast from FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell shows that southern Wisconsin will stay mostly dry and quiet through Thursday, but the bitter cold will continue with wind chills below zero at night. Highs today through Friday will remain in the single digits to low teens, with weak winds providing some relief during the daytime. Lake-effect snow chances increase late Thursday night into Friday and could linger into Saturday, mainly near Lake Michigan. Snow amounts are uncertain, but a couple inches are possible if the bands move inland and persist. By Sunday into Monday, a clipper system may bring a more widespread round of snow with temperatures moderating slightly into the 20s.

  • Today through Friday: Highs in the single digits to low teens, with wind chills below zero at night.
  • Late Thursday night into Friday: Increased chance of lake-effect snow, mainly near Lake Michigan.
  • Saturday: Lake-effect snow possible along the southeast shoreline.
  • Sunday into Monday: Clipper system may bring more widespread snow, with temperatures moderating slightly into the 20s.

The players

Rob Haswell

FOX6 Chief Meteorologist who provided the weather forecast.

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The takeaway

Residents in the Milwaukee area need to be prepared for the ongoing bitter cold and potential for lake-effect snow over the next several days. Monitoring weather conditions and being ready for potential school/business closures and travel disruptions will be important.