Milwaukee is getting an early taste of spring and could even break a temperature record set more than a century ago.
The National Weather Service predicts highs could reach between 51 and 60 degrees in Milwaukee on Presidents’ Day. Madison could also hit 60 degrees Monday, Feb. 16. Temperatures will be highest along the Wisconsin-Illinois border.
Depending on the actual temperatures observed tomorrow, both cities could surpass records kept by the NWS.
NWS meteorologist Taylor Patterson says it all comes down to whether winds coming from the south and southwest push colder air over Lake Michigan and keep it there.
“The longer that winds stay southwesterly and the stronger they are, the more likely that Milwaukee may even be able to tie or potentially break that 56-degree record,” Patterson said.
The maximum temperature recorded Feb. 16 in Milwaukee was 56 degrees in 1921. In Madison, it was 57 degrees in 1981.
Those are far from the highest temperatures ever recorded in February, however. On Feb. 27, 2024, Madison hit 70 degrees and Milwaukee reached 74.
Rain, even a thunderstorm on the way later this week
But like that heat wave two years ago, this week’s balmy temperatures will be short-lived.
Snow chances are back in the forecast by Friday, when temperatures will drop back down to the mid-30s in Milwaukee.
Rain is also likely in the middle of the week, especially Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. An unusual February thunderstorm is even possible after midnight on Tuesday – so don’t be surprised if a few rumbles wake you up.
Patterson also cautioned anyone planning to go out on the ice. There’s not a lot left, but any frozen parts that remain will be unstable, she said.
At this point in the year, it’s common for temperatures to “start going in waves” between warmer than normal and closer to average temperatures, Patterson said.
“It is only February, so confidence is low that we’re just going to stay warm … and not have some cold weather return,” she said.
Hope Karnopp can be reached at usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee, Madison could set new record high temperatures on Feb. 16, NWS says
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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