Dry and Cooler Stretch Arrives in SE Wisconsin

Temperatures to climb into the 70s by midweek after a soggy stretch.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and green, depicting a vast, flooded expanse with only the faint outline of structures visible in the distance, conveying the overwhelming power of the recent extreme weather.The relentless rain and flooding in southeast Wisconsin have tested the resilience of the region, but a much-needed dry stretch offers hope for recovery.Today in Milwaukee

A dry and cooler weather pattern is settling into southeast Wisconsin after a prolonged period of heavy rainfall and flooding. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 70s by midweek, providing a much-needed break from the wet weather that has plagued the region for the past 10 days.

Why it matters

The recent heavy rains have led to high water levels, standing water, and flooding in many areas, causing significant disruption and damage. This dry stretch will allow the region to start drying out and recovering from the impacts of the extreme weather.

The details

The National Weather Service has reported that some areas saw as much as 7 inches of rain just yesterday, on top of the heavy rainfall over the past week and a half. This has resulted in swollen rivers and streams, flooded roadways, and water in places it shouldn't be. Weather crews will be surveying the area today to assess any tornado damage from the storms. While temperatures will be cooler and drier today and tomorrow, the 70s are expected to return by Tuesday, providing a welcome respite before the next chance of rain and thunderstorms arrives on Thursday night into Friday.

  • Yesterday, the region saw wind damage, flooding, and likely a few tornadoes.
  • Today, weather service crews will be surveying the area to assess the storm damage.
  • Today and tomorrow will be dry and cooler, with highs in the 40s and 50s.
  • Temperatures will climb into the 70s on Tuesday, before cooling slightly on Wednesday.
  • The next chance of rain and thunderstorms is expected on Thursday night into Friday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

Milwaukee

The largest city in southeast Wisconsin, which has been impacted by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding.

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What they’re saying

“High water levels, standing water in some places, water in basements, basically water where it shouldn't be. But there's nowhere else to put this water. It is rain day after day after day.”

— Michelle Franzen, ABC News Correspondent

“These rainfall reports, they are jaw dropping. Seven inches. Yes, they're flabbergasting. They are just like what? These are the rainfall reports just from yesterday. This isn't a two day total. A three day total, a weeklong total. This is from yesterday. You don't normally get this kind of stuff. These were some torrential downpours.”

— Michelle Franzen, ABC News Correspondent

What’s next

The National Weather Service crews will continue to survey the area today to assess any tornado damage from the recent storms.

The takeaway

This extended period of heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding and disruption in southeast Wisconsin, but the upcoming dry and cooler stretch will provide a much-needed opportunity for the region to start drying out and recovering from the extreme weather.