Dense Fog Hits Milwaukee Ahead of Stormy Weekend

Warm temperatures in the 60s expected despite rain and thunderstorm chances.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Southeastern Wisconsin is experiencing dense fog on March 5 due to a mix of rain and warm air meeting cold ground. This will be followed by an area of low pressure bringing rain and possible thunderstorms on Friday, March 6 into Saturday, March 7. However, temperatures are expected to rise into the 60s across the region this weekend, with the warmest and sunniest conditions likely on Monday, March 8.

Why it matters

The sudden shift to spring-like weather after a long Wisconsin winter may catch some residents off guard, highlighting the importance of staying up-to-date on weather conditions and being prepared for potential severe storms.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for most of southeastern Wisconsin on March 5, with visibility potentially down to a quarter mile or less. This fog is expected to linger until the next weather system moves in on Friday. The incoming low-pressure system will bring rain and the possibility of thunderstorms, which the NWS warns may be stronger than many are expecting after the long winter.

  • The dense fog advisory is in effect from March 5 through noon on the same day.
  • The rain and thunderstorm chances are expected on Friday, March 6 into Saturday, March 7.
  • Temperatures are forecast to reach the 60s across the region this weekend, with the warmest and sunniest conditions likely on Monday, March 8.

The players

National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan

The local office of the National Weather Service that issued the dense fog advisory and weather forecasts for the region.

Taylor Patterson

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan who provided details on the weather conditions and forecasts.

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What they’re saying

“Fog can kind of like stick around and linger. With this fog, we're not really expecting completely clear conditions until we get this next system coming in Friday.”

— Taylor Patterson, Meteorologist (jsonline.com)

“This would be an opportunity to make sure you have a way to receive warnings. The first severe thunderstorms of the year normally catches people off guard.”

— Taylor Patterson, Meteorologist (jsonline.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as the storm system moves through the region on Friday and Saturday.

The takeaway

The sudden shift to spring-like weather in Milwaukee is a welcome change, but residents should remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of severe thunderstorms as the first major storm system of the season moves through the area.