Northeast Wisconsin Enjoys Warmer Weather After Frigid Stretch

Residents take advantage of brief respite from recent below-zero temperatures.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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After a prolonged cold snap in Northeast Wisconsin, residents welcomed a brief warm-up over the weekend. Ice fishing, dog walking, and car washes saw increased activity as temperatures rose above freezing for the first time in two weeks. While the warmer weather was a welcome change, locals acknowledged the recent cold stretch had been "pretty dismal" and "tough" for outdoor activities.

Why it matters

The dramatic temperature swings in Northeast Wisconsin highlight the challenges residents face during the winter months. Extreme cold can disrupt daily life, force business closures, and limit recreational opportunities. The ability to take advantage of brief warm-ups is important for maintaining morale and economic activity in the region.

The details

On Saturday, temperatures in Northeast Wisconsin rose above freezing for the first time in two weeks. This provided a respite from the recent sub-zero temperatures that had forced some businesses, like a local car wash, to temporarily shut down. Residents took the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like ice fishing, dog walking, and car washes, which saw a surge in customers taking advantage of the warmer weather.

  • The recent cold stretch lasted for about two weeks.
  • On Saturday, temperatures rose above freezing for the first time in that two-week period.
  • The warmer weather was expected to continue into Sunday.

The players

Luke Cieslewicz

A high school student representing Denmark High School in a statewide fishing tournament.

Kyle Klumb

A resident of Marinette who came to the Fox River Trail to walk his dog, Sophie, before a day of pet store pampering.

Kody Klumb

Kyle Klumb's twin brother, who also came to the Fox River Trail to enjoy the warmer weather.

Lisa Kosmoski

A resident of Seymour who typically waits for warmer weather to visit a car wash to avoid having her doors freeze shut.

Taylor Rangersma

The manager of the Club Car Wash location on Military Ave., which saw a surge in customers on Saturday and expected even more on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't here so I can't tell you. I'm not that stupid to be out here when it's that cold.”

— Luke Cieslewicz, High school student

“It's been pretty tough. It's been cold. We like snowmobiling and it's been even too cold for that.”

— Kyle Klumb, Resident of Marinette

“It's a gorgeous day. The sun is finally out. It finally feels like we're getting closer to spring, so just want to take advantage of the nice weather today.”

— Kody Klumb, Resident of Marinette

“I usually wait until it warms up because I don't want my doors to freeze shut.”

— Lisa Kosmoski, Resident of Seymour

“We were doing like 400 cars two weeks previous when it was slower, or colder I should say, but now you can see it's picked up a lot, almost double the volume we were doing before.”

— Taylor Rangersma, Manager of Club Car Wash

What’s next

The warm weather is expected to continue for the next few days, providing a brief respite from the recent cold snap. However, forecasters warn that another round of frigid temperatures is likely to return to the region in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The dramatic temperature swings in Northeast Wisconsin underscore the resilience of local residents, who are able to quickly adapt and take advantage of brief warm-ups after prolonged periods of extreme cold. While the recent cold stretch was challenging, the community's ability to enjoy the warmer weather highlights their determination to make the most of the region's unpredictable winter climate.