SATURDAY
The long-duration winter storm gets underway early Saturday morning, with light snow developing between 4-7 AM before becoming steady by mid-morning. Highs will hover around 30-32F, and as the Illinois low strengthens, easterly winds increase to 10-20 mph with gusts near 30 mph, helping pull moisture into southern Wisconsin.
The snow becomes heavier from late morning into mid-evening, with rates occasionally reaching .5-1 inch per hour. Travel conditions will deteriorate quickly as roads become snow-covered and visibility drops.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Snow remains steady into the evening before gradually tapering after 10 PM, though light to moderate snow may linger overnight. Northeasterly winds shift to the north at 15-25 mph, creating pockets of blowing and drifting snow. Overnight lows dip into the mid-20s.
Storm totals in Milwaukee are still expected to fall in the 7-10 inch range, with slightly higher localized amounts possible near the lake depending on banding and lake influence.
SUNDAY
Lingering light snow ends from west to east by mid-morning, leaving behind a cold and breezy day. Highs only reach the upper 20s, and north-northwest winds of 15-25 mph continue to produce drifting and wind chills in the teens. Clouds dominate most of the day as colder air pours in behind the storm.
SUNDAY NIGHT
With fresh snow cover and high pressure sliding in, temperatures plummet into the single digits, with some typical cold spots possibly dipping below zero. Winds lighten to 5-10 mph, but wind chills will still fall into the single digits below zero.
MONDAY
Monday is the start of a cold stretch. After a brutally cold morning, highs only reach the upper 20s. With the fresh snowpack on the ground it could help make us cooler however only reaching low 20s. West winds of 5-15 mph add to the chill. Skies remain mostly cloudy, and although a weak disturbance passes south of the region, precipitation looks minimal.
TUESDAY
Temperatures remain well below normal, with highs in the low 20s and breezy west-northwest winds around 10-15 mph. A passing clipper may bring a few flurries or a light snow shower, mainly late in the day or Tuesday night, but no accumulation is expected.
WEDNESDAY
Northwest flow continues to dominate, keeping highs in the mid-20s with winds around 10-20 mph. Skies will feature a mix of clouds and scattered flurries, typical of this kind of December setup, but again nothing significant.
