Signs of Spring: Northeast Wisconsin Weather Forecast

Winter's Grip Loosening

• ❄️ Despite 11 of the last 12 days having sub-zero low temperatures, a significant weather 180 is expected as February begins.
• ☀️ We are gaining 2-3 minutes of sunlight each day, with sunset reaching 5:00 PM for the first time since November 1st.
• 🌡️ Climatologically, the coldest part of winter is ending, with normal high temperatures set to increase from 25°F to 29°F by Valentine's Day.

Meteorological Shifts and Groundhog Day

• 💨 The jet stream is predicted to shift next week, bringing warmer temperatures to northeast Wisconsin.
• 🐿️ Monday is Groundhog Day, a significant weather event where we'll learn from Punxsutawney Phil (and Jimmy in Sun Prairie) whether to expect six more weeks of winter or an early spring.
• 🗓️ Officially, the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring, is on March 20th.

Current Conditions and Near-Term Forecast

• 🥶 Current conditions are frigid, with temperatures in the single digits and teens, and wind chills below zero due to gusting winds.
• ☁️ Tonight features light snow and flurries, with clearing expected as a tropical low-pressure system moves east.
• ☀️ Tomorrow and most of Sunday will be dominated by high pressure, bringing mostly sunny skies after a potentially cloudy start with a few flurries.

Weekend Warm-Up and Beyond

• 📈 A weekend warm-up is anticipated, with temperatures reaching the lower 20s on Saturday and 25°F for Groundhog Day on Sunday.
• ❄️ A weak system may bring light snow Sunday night into Monday morning, with accumulations of up to an inch.
• 🔥 A more significant warm-up is expected for the following Thursday and Friday, with a possibility of accumulating snow.