Milwaukee Weather: Winter Storm Travel Impacts Fade, but Dangerous Arctic Cold Builds Behind the Snow

Milwaukee weather is shifting quickly from a short burst of snow into a prolonged stretch of bitter cold, creating a one-two punch for commutes, schools, and anyone with outdoor plans this week. A Winter Weather Advisory covered the metro overnight into early Wednesday, January 21, with a few inches of accumulation and slick roads in spots. As that snow eases, the bigger story becomes the Arctic air mass moving in—bringing subzero temperatures and wind chills that can turn a routine day outside into a safety issue.

Milwaukee Weather Winter Storm: What Happened and What It Means for Roads

The latest round of snow focused on late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning (Jan. 20–21), with totals in the typical “enough to cause trouble” range rather than a paralyzing storm. Even 2 to 5 inches can snarl Milwaukee-area travel when it falls during the overnight-to-morning window, because plows and salt crews are racing the clock before peak commute time.

What to expect Wednesday:

• Morning: slow, slippery stretches—especially bridges, ramps, and untreated side streets

• Midday into afternoon: improving conditions as crews catch up and snowfall wanes

• Evening: watch for refreeze as temperatures drop again

If you’re driving, the most common hazard after a modest snow is not depth—it’s the polished layer left behind when traffic packs snow into a slick glaze, then temperatures fall.

Milwaukee Weather Forecast: The Snow Ends, the Cold Gets Serious

The temperature trend is the headline after the flakes. Milwaukee is moving into a colder, windier pattern with multiple days of frigid air that can stress people, pets, and infrastructure.

Key milestones (local time CST):

• Wednesday, Jan. 21: lingering flurries early; highs in the mid-20s°F, then sharply colder at night

• Thursday, Jan. 22: breezy and colder; highs closer to the teens

• Friday, Jan. 23 into Saturday, Jan. 24: the coldest stretch—daytime highs near or below zero are possible, with life-threatening wind chills at times

• Sunday, Jan. 25: clouds and occasional snow or flurries return, but the cold remains entrenched

This is the kind of setup where sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots can stay icy even after plowing—because there’s not enough daytime thaw to reset surfaces.

Winter Storm Impacts in Milwaukee: Extreme Cold Watch and Wind Chill Risk

Behind the winter storm-style snow impacts, an Extreme Cold Watch has been posted for late week. That signals the potential for dangerously low wind chills—conditions that can cause frostbite on exposed skin in a short time.

If the cold verifies at the harsh end of projections, priorities shift from “drive carefully” to “limit exposure.” In practical terms:

• Dress in layers, cover skin fully, and protect extremities (hands, ears, face)

• Keep phones charged and carry a backup power source if you commute

• Check on vulnerable neighbors and older adults

• Bring pets indoors and limit time outside

• Avoid running vehicles in enclosed spaces; ensure vents are clear if snow drifts build up

The danger in this pattern isn’t only the low temperature—it’s the combination of wind plus cold, which accelerates heat loss.

Why This Milwaukee Weather Pattern Feels Like a “Winter Storm” Even After the Snow

People often associate “winter storm” with heavy snowfall totals. But in Wisconsin, a moderate snow followed by a deep freeze can be more disruptive than a bigger storm that arrives with milder air. When temperatures crash:

• Road treatments lose effectiveness

• Meltwater refreezes into black ice

• Minor car issues (weak batteries, low tire pressure) become major problems

• Outdoor exposure becomes a health threat, not just an inconvenience

So even as the snow ends, the operational impact for Milwaukee can increase for a couple of days—especially for early-morning routines and anyone working outside.

Quick Checklist for the Next 72 Hours in Milwaukee

• Clear snow early so it doesn’t turn into rock-hard ice

• Salt/sand steps and sidewalks now; reapply as needed after refreeze

• Prep your car: fuel, windshield fluid rated for cold, blanket, gloves

• Plan extra time for morning travel Thursday and Friday

• Watch for school/commute disruptions tied to wind chills, not snowfall

Milwaukee weather is entering the phase of winter where the forecast is less about inches and more about endurance. The snow will be manageable; the cold may not be—especially late Thursday into Saturday, when the risk shifts toward dangerous exposure and persistent ice.