Milwaukee Braces for Wintry Weather Shift

Sunny Thursday gives way to lake effect snow Friday through Saturday

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:55am

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After a quiet and cold Thursday, the Milwaukee area is set to experience a shift in weather patterns, with lake effect snow expected to develop late Thursday night and continue through Saturday afternoon. Snowfall amounts will depend on how long the snow bands remain inland, with the potential for 1 to 3 inches near the immediate lakeshore.

Why it matters

Lake effect snow can significantly impact travel and daily routines in the Milwaukee region, especially for those living or working near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Residents and businesses need to be prepared for the potential disruptions caused by the incoming wintry weather.

The details

According to FOX6 Chief Meteorologist Rob Haswell, the quiet but cold weather will hold through Thursday, with overnight wind chills dipping into the negative teens. However, attention will then turn to lake effect snow late Thursday night into Friday, with bands developing over Lake Michigan and periodically pushing onshore into lakeshore counties through Saturday afternoon. The snowfall amounts will depend on how long those bands stay inland, with 1 to 3 inches possible near the immediate lakeshore.

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny with a high of 14°F and a low of 4°F.
  • Friday: Partly cloudy with periods of lake effect snow, high of 18°F.
  • Saturday: Partly cloudy with periods of lake effect snow, low of 10°F and high of 24°F.

The players

Rob Haswell

FOX6 Chief Meteorologist who provided the weather forecast details.

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What they’re saying

“Quiet but cold weather holds through Thursday, with overnight wind chills dipping into the negative teens.”

— Rob Haswell, FOX6 Chief Meteorologist

What’s next

A separate weather system may bring more widespread snow to southern Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon and Sunday night.

The takeaway

Milwaukee residents and businesses should prepare for the potential disruptions caused by the incoming lake effect snow, which could impact travel and daily routines, especially for those living or working near the Lake Michigan shoreline.