Wisconsin cold weather advisory Saturday, Sunday; what to know

article

MILWAUKEE - Southern Wisconsin is bracing for its first true blast of Arctic air this winter, with dangerous wind chills, single digit highs, and hazardous conditions on Lake Michigan. In fact, cold temperatures are impacting areas as far south as Alabama.

Timeline:

The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory across most counties in southeast Wisconsin ongoing through the day on Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday morning. Daytime wind chills can range -10 degrees to -15 degrees.

Counties along the Wisconsin-Illinois border are added to the cold weather advisory starting at 6 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday.

This is when wind chills will be the most dangerous, dropping from -20 degrees to -30 degrees in the evening and early morning hours.

During this time, it is crucial to limit time spent outdoors to prevent frostbite and/or hypothermia. This is also a reminder for pet owners that it will be dangerous to take them outside during this time as well.

Concern for outdoor plans

What you can do:

The bitter cold will challenge outdoor plans across Wisconsin, especially on Saturday when temperatures struggle to rise above zero in parts of central and southern Wisconsin. Holiday markets, outdoor sports, community festivals, zoo lights, and charity runs may need to modify schedules or add warming stations.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

If you do go out or if you are planning an outdoor activity, prepare for ways to limit time outdoors, provide additional shelter options and increase warming breaks. Frostbite risks increase significantly when wind chills drop below -20 degrees, especially for young children with exposed skin. Pet owners should limit time outside, and those caring for livestock or outdoor animals will need to take extra precautions to prevent freezing.

Even Sunday, with slightly warmer southwest winds, wind chills may remain below zero through the morning before a gradual improvement late in the day.

Hazards on Lake Michigan

Local perspective:

The incoming arctic air will also create significant hazards on Lake Michigan. A prolonged period of strong northwest winds will generate heavy freezing spray from Friday night through Sunday morning.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the nearshore and open waters, along with a Small Craft Advisory for high waves and reduced visibility. Vessel icing can occur rapidly in these setups as spray freezes on decks, railings, and rigging, adding weight and reducing maneuverability. Nearshore infrastructure, including breakwalls and piers, may ice over as well.

Boat owners and harbor crews should prepare for hazardous conditions and difficult operations throughout the weekend.

Warm-up arrives next week

What's next:

Despite the harsh weekend, temperatures rebound quickly early next week. Daytime highs climb back to near or above freezing by Tuesday and may reach the upper 30s or near 40 by midweek under strong southwest flow. The shift will help ease the cold but may introduce melting and refreezing concerns.

FOX6 Weather Extras

Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:

FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX LOCAL Mobile app

FOX Weather app

What is the FOX Model?

FOX Weather Expert Tom Wachs explains the value of the FOX Model for our team -- and our viewers.

FOX Weather

Maps and radar

We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.