Today: The 5-Day Weather Forecast February 1, 2026 begins with an increasingly overcast morning. Temperatures steadily rise into the mid-20s thanks to southwestern winds attempting to replace the frigid January air. As the day winds down, snowflakes announce the passing of a low-pressure system through the northern Midwest. Starting when temperatures peak at 27 around 2 p.m., snowflakes whiz by on stronger winds. Although the morning sees winds around 11 mph and gusts near 18 mph, the low-pressure system shoves against the high-pressure system of Saturday, influencing an average of 13 mph, peaking at 26 mph in isolated cases. Exercise caution when traveling later today, as blowing snow might cause decreased visibility and slick roads.
Tonight: Tapering off around 10 p.m., snow totals should be just shy of a half inch. Afterward, winds lighten and spin to push in cold northwestern air. This plunges temperatures back into the mid-teens for a low of 16.
Tomorrow: Perceptibly cooler than Sunday, Monday temperatures hit 20 with a consistent northwestern wind. Averaging 8 mph with gusts up to 17 mph, winds calm throughout the day to a light 6 mph by late evening. Clouds break occasionally, revealing a warm February sun. Whether Wisconsin’s Jimmy the Groundhog will see his shadow and forecast 6 more weeks of winter this Groundhog’s Day, one just has to see. In a study of groundhog accuracy conducted by NOAA in 2025, Staten Island Chuck of the Staten Island Zoo touts the highest of 85% whereas Jimmy holds a 60% accuracy, and the most famous of forecasters, Punxsutawney Phil, holds a 35% accuracy. Whatever Jimmy reports for Wisconsin, temperatures will still drop into the night to a low of 10.
Extended: Tuesday and Wednesday see highs in the low 20s, while lows near 6 and 11, respectively. A high-pressure system out west causes prolonged cooler temperatures, northern winds, and possesses a small chance of lake-effect snow early Wednesday. Otherwise, winds should remain slower these days, to the tune of 9 mph, gusts only peaking Tuesday at 21 mph. Thursday winds strengthen significantly to 13 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Models currently forecast a low-pressure system to intensify over northern Minnesota Wednesday and hit Wisconsin on Thursday. Timing will remain a mystery until later model runs, but earliest arrival times of precipitation are in the morning. After this short bout of snow, temperatures warm into the 30s, possibly provoking a wintry mix from the main snow belt, before returning to the 20s. For now, be sure to stay safe and keep up to date with your local forecasts.
