Southeast Wisconsin weekend snow; significant accumulation possible

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MILWAUKEE - Southern Wisconsin will see some snow Thursday night and high wind gusts Friday, but the bigger story may arrive this weekend as we track a developing storm system with the potential to bring accumulating snow.

Thursday weather

What we know:

Another low pressure system is expected to sweep through our area Thursday night into Friday. Warmer air surging north ahead of the system will likely turn much of the precipitation into rain or wet snow across southern Wisconsin, but an inch or so is possible come early Friday. 

This will also arrive with very high wind gusts. A high warning goes into effect from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 p.m.  Wind gusts could near 60mph at times Friday. Damaging winds can blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel may also be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Eyes turn to the weekend

What's next:

The forecast becomes more interesting heading into the weekend.

Another storm system is expected to develop and move into the region Saturday into Sunday. Forecast models agree that precipitation will be widespread, but there is still significant uncertainty regarding storm track and precipitation type.

A colder track, with the storm moving through Illinois and northern Indiana, could place southern Wisconsin on the colder northwest side of the system and would favor mostly snow and potentially heavier snowfall bands.

If the storm tracks farther north, warmer air could mix in rain or a wintry mix.

Because of these track differences, snowfall potential remains uncertain, but the setup suggests the possibility of a more significant snow event if the colder scenario verifies.

Dig deeper:

The bulk of the weekend precipitation would likely occur Sunday into Sunday night, with snow gradually tapering Monday as the system exits the region.

For now, confidence is high that we will see precipitation this weekend, but far lower when it comes to the exact mix and snowfall totals. The next couple of days will be critical in determining whether Wisconsin sees a minor nuisance snowfall or a more impactful late-season storm.