Temperatures in the 40s, rain chances in Wisconsin this week will melt snowfall, ice on the lake

While there is no spring technically yet, the last week of February in Wisconsin will certainly feel like this.

Temperatures will be in the mid-40s for much of the state, possibly reaching 47 degrees on Monday in Milwaukee and even inland at 50 degrees.

Milwaukee’s forecasts show around 44 degrees Tuesday, 45 degrees Wednesday, 43 degrees Thursday and 45 degrees Friday. Saturday’s high will drop to 39 degrees.

The extension of warmth may last until early March, but may not be as warm as the next few days, said Kevin Wagner, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

“We’re going into spring, we’re going into March, so the days are getting longer and longer. We’re going to see higher temperatures continue gradually,” he said.

Wagner explained that the sunlight during the day is increasing, which is causing the temperature to rise. But the snow on the ground means it is not as warm as possible.

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More: Here are two different predictive models for Wisconsin Spring 2025

Temperatures in the 1940s were just above the average of February this week, so it is unlikely to set a new record high.

The last week of February has reached the 1960s, while Milwaukee hit 74 degrees on February 27 last year.

Wisconsin won’t see a totally blue sky with spring weather, but most days of the week are expected to be partially sunny or partially cloudy.

Rain and warm temperatures will melt snowfall, thin ice

There is potential for rain this week, including Monday night and overnight chances.

However, rainfall in southern Wisconsin is more likely to end in the evening from Tuesday evening to Wednesday afternoon.

Depending on the cold temperature overnight, the mix of cold cannot be ruled out, Wagner said. Central Wisconsin is more likely.

Warm temperatures can cause snow to “quickly reduce”, especially if the overnight temperature remains above freezing point, Wagner said.

Rain or melted snow may flow to regional rivers rather than being absorbed into frozen ground, Wagner said. This creates the potential to break down ice in the river and cause ice jam.

As Wisconsin enters spring, ice begins to sparse on regional lakes. Last week, Dodge County officials issued a warning on Beaver Dam Lake after crossing ice hockey in 24 hours.

“If you’re near any waters with ice, be cautious,” Wagner said.

More: How to stay safe on ice in Lake Township or anywhere while enjoying the winter landscape

This post originally appeared in the Milwaukee Daily: Wisconsin’s first tasting this week in spring