Wisconsin’s weather is throwing us a curveball this week! St. Patrick’s Day is serving up some unseasonably warm temperatures, making it feel like spring is finally here. But don’t get too comfortable—by midweek, rain, wind, and even snow are making a comeback. If you’ve lived in Wisconsin long enough, you know the drill: enjoy the warmth while it lasts because winter isn’t done with us yet!
St. Patrick’s Day: The Perfect Excuse to Get Outside
Monday, March 17, is shaping up to be a rare gem for March—mild, breezy, and perfect for any outdoor festivities. Here’s what to expect across the state:
- Milwaukee: High of 49°F (10°C), low of 38°F (3°C). Breezy but mild with a mix of sun and clouds.
- Madison: High of 57°F (14°C), low of 36°F (2°C). Partly sunny with increasing winds.
- Green Bay: High of 48°F (9°C), low of 35°F (2°C). A bit of sun, a bit of wind, and overall mild conditions.
- La Crosse: High of 62°F (17°C), low of 35°F (2°C). A beautiful day with sunshine and gusty winds.
- Eau Claire: High of 58°F (15°C), low of 32°F (0°C). Partly sunny and breezy.
If you’ve been itching to ditch the winter coat, this is your chance. But keep it handy—you’ll need it again soon.
Midweek Mood Swing: Rain, Wind, and Snow Return
Enjoy the warm-up while you can! By Tuesday, the temperatures start dipping, and by Wednesday, a storm system rolls in, bringing rain, wind, and eventually snow. Here’s how things are shaping up:
- Milwaukee: High of 45°F (7°C), low of 29°F (-1°C). Expect periods of rain and a possible thunderstorm.
- Madison: High of 47°F (8°C), low of 27°F (-3°C). Rain changing to snow with 1-3 inches possible by evening.
- Green Bay: High of 39°F (4°C), low of 28°F (-2°C). Windy, colder, and 1-3 inches of snow expected.
- La Crosse: High of 39°F (4°C), low of 22°F (-6°C). 2-5 inches of wet snow could make travel tricky.
- Eau Claire: High of 37°F (3°C), low of 23°F (-5°C). Morning snow, with 3-6 inches possible overall.
How to Prepare for the Weather Whiplash
Enjoy Monday while it lasts! Step outside, take a walk, or fire up the grill—because it won’t last long.
Drive with caution. Rain turning to snow means icy, slick roads—especially Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Secure outdoor items. Strong winds could send loose decorations, trash bins, and patio furniture flying.
Keep those winter layers nearby. You’ll be peeling them off Monday, then reaching for them again by midweek.
When Will Spring Really Arrive?
After the midweek storm, temperatures stay on the chilly side, with highs in the 30s and 40s for the rest of the week. Spring is coming—but Wisconsin isn’t ready to let go of winter just yet.
