Northeast Wisconsin Weather: January Thaw, Heavy Rain, and Potential Snowfall

January Thaw and Mild Temperatures

• 🌡️ Northeast Wisconsin is experiencing a January thaw, with temperatures rising above freezing into the lower to mid-30s, significantly warmer than the normal high in the mid-20s.
• ⛸️ Despite the warm weather, an ice rink in Tidal Town remains open, with people enjoying the mild conditions.
• 🌎 This January thaw is a widespread phenomenon, affecting much of the country, including areas like International Falls and Des Moines.

Approaching Storm System and Heavy Rainfall

• ☁️ A low-pressure system moving out of the Rockies is set to bring a soaking rain to the region starting tomorrow evening.
• 📈 Temperatures are expected to climb further, potentially reaching the lower to mid-50s in areas south and east of Lake Winnebago by tomorrow evening and early Friday morning.
• 🌧️ The computer models predict approximately an inch of rain, with the possibility of locally heavy downpours, moving in late Thursday afternoon and continuing through Thursday night.

Flood Risks and Ice Jams

• ⚠️ The combination of heavy rain on frozen ground, ice-covered rivers and streams, and potential ice jams poses a risk of rising rivers and localized flooding.
• 🏠 Backyard and basement flooding, as well as ponding water on roads, are potential consequences of the anticipated rainfall.

Transition to Snowfall and Weekend Outlook

• ❄️ As the storm system exits, colder air will wrap in, causing precipitation to transition to snow by Friday morning, even in the Fox Valley.
• 🌨️ The far north of the viewing area, including Langlade, Oconto, and Marinette counties, could see 2 to 4 inches of snow.
• 🗓️ There is a possibility of shovelable snow accumulating on Saturday into Sunday morning, with several inches or more possible.
• 🌡️ Temperatures are expected to remain warm through Tuesday before significant changes occur mid-next week.