Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Team out on December 23rd as we set new record for high temp.
MILWAUKEE -- We set a new record for high temperature in Milwaukee on Wednesday, December 23rd -- reaching a high of 58 degrees. The previous record was 55. The warm weather just days before Christmas is a bonus for some -- especially those who work and play outdoors.
The rink at Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park was a puddle on Wednesday. There was no ice skating -- but there was plenty of outdoor activity -- as some are turning this winter into an extended summer!
Colin Shepet, with the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Team decided to take his boat out of winter storage Wednesday. He then headed for Okauchee Lake.
Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Team on Okauchee Lake
"We have a strong passion for the sport and when our season is cut short -- we only have a few months out of the year to do it and we're going to take advantage of every opportunity in the year when we have weather like this. One of my buddies -- I texted him and said 'hey, you wanna go skiing?' And he replied back and said 'yeah, but I don't think any of the hills are open.' That gave me a pretty big chuckle. I said 'no -- water skiing,'" Shepet said.
And a bit of Christmas cheer in the city of Milwaukee ahead of Christmas -- as officials have eased up on winter parking regulations.
Mayor Tom Barrett announced on December 22nd that DPW Parking Services ambassadors will use their discretion in issuing citations for winter parking regulation violations throughout the City of Milwaukee, due to the mild weather we are enjoying this December.
This consideration will last through December 31. However, alternate side overnight parking rules are still in effect, except in the 5-Day Exception Parking Area for parts of Downtown and the East Side.
NOTE: Motorists who wish to park on City streets overnight must still have a valid overnight parking permit. Permits are available online at milwaukee.gov/mpw.
Winter parking rules will once again take effect on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2016.
"We've saved a lot of money on snowplowing and salting so far this year because of the lack of snow," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.
City of Milwaukee
Additionally, DPW officials say streets may be in better shape without the freezing and thawing that can cause pot holes.
Andrew O'Herron was finishing up his Christmas shopping on a rainy Wednesday before the holiday. He said he's enjoying these temperatures.
"It's something you don't see very often, but it's nice that you don't have to drive through snow -- but when it's for people you care about, you do what you can to make them happy," O'Herron said.
Kirsten Hughes and her two children finished their shopping too Wednesday. They say they'd prefer a traditional, white Christmas.
"We were in Florida for seven years. We want to see snow," Hughes said.
Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Team on Okauchee Lake
The Pewaukee Lake Ski Team may be out again yet this winter. They're watching what happens with the weather over the next few weeks.
Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Team on Okauchee Lake