Morning Freezing Rain, Evening Severe Storms Forecast for Southeast Wisconsin

Storm Team 4 is monitoring a dynamic low-pressure system that will bring a mix of wintry and severe weather to the region.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:35am

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A complex weather system is expected to impact southeast Wisconsin on Thursday, with the potential for freezing rain in the morning and the possibility of severe thunderstorms in the evening. Meteorologists are closely tracking the system's progression and the potential impacts on the region.

Why it matters

Freezing rain can create hazardous driving conditions, while severe thunderstorms can bring the risk of hail, gusty winds, and even isolated tornadoes. The evolving weather situation requires close monitoring to ensure public safety and preparedness.

The details

The morning hours are expected to bring freezing rain, primarily north of I-94, which could lead to slick and slippery conditions on bridges and overpasses. As temperatures rise throughout the day, the freezing rain is expected to transition to regular rain showers. However, the afternoon and evening hours may see the development of strong to severe thunderstorms, capable of producing hail, gusty winds, and even isolated tornadoes. An Enhanced (Level 3) risk of severe weather has been posted for much of southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and portions of Iowa, with a Slight risk (Level 2) in place for the rest of southeast Wisconsin.

  • Overnight and into the morning, scattered showers and freezing rain are expected, with the potential for ice accumulation on bridges and overpasses.
  • During the late morning and early afternoon, there may be a lull in the rain, but isolated storms cannot be ruled out.
  • As the warm air moves in, storms may turn strong to severe in the afternoon and evening hours.
  • One final wave of storms is expected to arrive along an advancing cold front later in the evening.
  • After the storms exit, overnight lows are expected to fall into the lower 40s.

The players

Storm Team 4

The meteorological team at TMJ4, the NBC affiliate serving the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.

Brendan Johnson

A meteorologist with Storm Team 4 who provided the forecast and analysis for the weather event.

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What they’re saying

“Storm Team 4 is monitoring a dynamic area of low-pressure that tracks through Wisconsin today. Scattered showers have been ongoing during the overnight hours.”

— Brendan Johnson, Meteorologist

“An Enhanced (Level 3) risk of severe weather has been posted for much of southern Wisconsin near the State Line, northern Illinois, and portions of Iowa. A Slight risk (Level 2) is in place for the rest of SE Wisconsin.”

— Brendan Johnson, Meteorologist

What’s next

Storm Team 4 meteorologists will continue to monitor the evolving weather situation throughout the day, providing updates on the potential for freezing rain in the morning and the risk of severe storms in the afternoon and evening.

The takeaway

This complex weather system highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, especially when dealing with the potential for both wintry precipitation and severe thunderstorms in the same day.