Milwaukee, Wisc. — Holiday travelers across southern Wisconsin may face wintry conditions this Thanksgiving weekend, as meteorologists warn that an approaching polar vortex could bring snow showers, sharp temperature drops, and slick travel conditions throughout the region.
Cold Snap Arrives After Mild Stretch
Following a relatively mild weekend, temperatures across the Milwaukee metro area are expected to plunge beginning Tuesday, November 25, according to Taylor Patterson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan office.
Highs on Monday and Tuesday will hover in the upper-40s to low-50s, but conditions will shift dramatically overnight Tuesday. By Wednesday, daytime highs will fall to around 38 degrees, and by Thanksgiving Day, temperatures are forecast to reach only 31 degrees.
Patterson noted that the abrupt transition from autumn calm to winter chill is directly linked to the influence of the polar vortex, which is expected to push colder air across a broad stretch of the United States.
Rain Possible for Wednesday Travelers
The busiest travel day of the year — Wednesday morning — may present some complications for those heading to airports, highways, or bus terminals. Forecasters say there is a 30% to 50% chance of rain along the lakeshore counties, including Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee.
“As people begin traveling early Wednesday, there will be some rain pulling out of the state early in the morning,” Patterson explained. Those hitting the roads before sunrise may encounter wet pavement or reduced visibility, although conditions are expected to improve as the day goes on.
By Wednesday afternoon, rain chances fade and skies begin to dry out, setting the stage for a quieter Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Stay Dry but Cold
Despite the looming cold front, both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday are projected to remain mostly dry. Temperatures, however, will remain firmly in winter mode.
- Thanksgiving Highs: Low to mid-30s
- Black Friday Highs: Low to mid-30s
- Overnight Lows: 20s across much of southern Wisconsin
While precipitation is unlikely during the holiday itself, freezing temperatures will keep travel conditions brisk and chilly for outdoor plans.
Polar Vortex May Deliver Snow Saturday into Sunday
The bigger weather story arrives over the weekend, as the National Weather Service warns that the approaching polar vortex could usher in winter-like conditions across much of the country — including southern Wisconsin.
Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, the Milwaukee area faces a 40% to 60% chance of snow, according to Patterson.
Snow totals are still uncertain, but meteorologists estimate anywhere from a few tenths of an inch to a couple of inches — enough to potentially affect road conditions, especially during peak travel hours as residents head home from Thanksgiving gatherings.
Even light snowfall, combined with freezing ground temperatures, can create slick patches and slowdowns on highways such as I-94, I-43, and Highway 41, prompting advisories for travelers to remain alert and plan ahead.
Travelers Urged to Prepare for Slowdowns
The combination of cold temperatures, possible snowfall, and heavy post-holiday traffic could create delays, particularly during the Saturday evening and Sunday morning windows when snow chances peak.
“It’s going to be a busy weekend with lots of people on the road,” Patterson said. “Take extra time for travel.”
Officials recommend checking the latest NWS updates throughout the weekend and preparing vehicles with winter-ready essentials, especially for those driving long distances or crossing into snow-prone northern counties.
Are you prepared for a snowy Thanksgiving weekend in Milwaukee? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how the weather may affect your holiday plans!
