Severe Storms Possible In Wisconsin This Afternoon

Storm strength will depend on how much the area warms before storms redevelop along a stalled front later today.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a massive, ominous storm system looming over a small town in the distance, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the approaching weather event.A looming storm system approaches a small Midwestern town, underscoring the raw power of nature and the need for vigilance in the face of severe weather.Today in Milwaukee

A stalled cold front could spark another round of thunderstorms across southeastern Wisconsin this afternoon, with the potential for some storms to turn severe depending on how conditions develop earlier in the day. The National Weather Service says gusty showers and isolated storms moved through parts of southern Wisconsin early Tuesday, with additional storms expected to develop along the cold front from mid-morning into the early afternoon.

Why it matters

Severe storms can bring damaging winds, large hail, and the risk of tornadoes, posing a threat to public safety. The Milwaukee area is particularly vulnerable, as the storms are expected to develop and intensify along a stalled front in the region.

The details

Whether the storms become severe will depend on how much the atmosphere is able to warm up during the early afternoon hours. If clouds break and temperatures rise, forecasters say storms could produce large hail, potentially around 1 inch in diameter, along with damaging wind gusts. If limited warming occurs, storms are more likely to remain below severe limits, though lightning and small hail would still be possible.

  • Storms are expected to redevelop between about 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. as the front slows and stalls across the region.
  • Storm chances are expected to diminish after 6 p.m., as the front begins to weaken and move out of the area.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings.

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What’s next

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware throughout the day and monitor for any watches or warnings if storms begin to intensify.

The takeaway

This storm system highlights the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of staying vigilant and prepared, especially in vulnerable areas like southeastern Wisconsin that are prone to damaging storms.