Friday, May 30
Milwaukee wakes to a warm, quiet start as northwest winds usher in a drier breeze under partly sunny skies. Don’t be fooled, the calm won’t last! As temperatures climb to a pleasant 76°, a layer of hazy smoke begins to filter the sunlight by midday, drifting in from wildfires burning across southern Canada.
The sky may take on a filtered look, with fewer cumulus clouds than normal, a sign that wildfire smoke is stifling atmospheric mixing. Even with that lid in place, energy is building. By late afternoon, a backdoor cold front begins to slide southwest into southern Wisconsin. This front will act as the spark for scattered thunderstorms, some of which could turn strong to possibly severe. Expect activity to fire in the afternoon, with gusty winds and hail possible in stronger cells.
Tonight, the storms move westward toward Madison and gradually fizzle after sunset. Skies begin to clear, but that smoky veil may linger in the night air. Lows dip to 50°F, with north winds easing to 5–10 mph.
Saturday, May 31
In the storm’s wake, high pressure moves in with a fresh breath of northern air. Milwaukee enjoys a brisk, beautiful Saturday as the city dries out. The sky turns a radiant blue high above, however traces of residual smoke may linger and subtly dim the sun’s intensity. Temperatures stay cool, reaching a high near 62°F, with a gentle northeast breeze holding lakeside neighborhoods in the low 60s.
Saturday night is crisp and calm, perfect for an open window or an evening walk. Under a clear sky, temperatures fall to 47°F, with low wind inland.
Sunday, June 1
Sunday delivers one of those ideal late spring days plenty of sun, modest warmth, and a breeze that keeps you grounded. Inland neighborhoods bask in the upper 60s, but those near the shoreline will once again feel the effects of a cool lake breeze drifting in from the east at 5 mph. The air is clean and quiet, with no storms in sight and just a hint of summer beginning to take hold.
Overnight, skies remain mostly clear and peaceful. Lows settle around 52°F, with winds shifting gently to the southwest after midnight.
Monday, June 2
The week begins with sunshine and momentum. A noticeable southwest wind picks up steam through the day 10 to 15 mph, occasionally gusting higher, bringing a significant warm-up. Milwaukee soars to a high near 79°F, and the air carries a faint hint of humidity.
Monday night remains warm and breezy, a sure sign that change is on the way. Lows hover near 60°F, with skies staying mostly clear through the night.
Tuesday, June 3rd
The day opens with sun and warmth, but don’t expect it to last. A weather system brewing in the Plains is on the move. By afternoon, clouds increase, and by evening, showers and thunderstorms may arrive, Milwaukee’s next meaningful rainmaker.
Before the clouds take over, temperatures push into the low 80s. Southwest winds increase to 15–25 mph, making the air feel restless and energetic.
By Tuesday night, expect a 50% chance of rain and storms, with lows around 66°F. Some storms could bring heavier downpours, and the wind will continue to blow as the system moves through.
