After a frosty start to the week, the Badger State warms with one more stretch of mild weather before winter’s grip returns.
From Frost to Flannel Weather
Wisconsin is about to flip the switch again. After days of lake-effect flurries, chilly northwest winds and morning lows dipping into the 20s, a wave of much milder air warms us when it arrives late this week.
High pressure sliding east and a strengthening ridge over the central United States will open the door to warmer southerly winds. By Friday and Saturday, afternoon temperatures could run 10 to 20 degrees above normal, with highs in the 50s and even near 60 in southern Wisconsin.
Why It’s Warming Up
Meteorologists call this pattern a “ridge rebound.” As the cold trough retreats from the Great Lakes, the jet stream bows northward, pulling up air that originated over the desert Southwest and southern Plains.
This warmer flow, combined with sunshine and gusty southwest winds, should melt any remaining slush and dry out roads heading into the weekend.
Short-Lived Comfort
Don’t put away the winter gear just yet. Forecast models show another Pacific system sweeping east from the Rockies by late weekend, bringing a chance of rain and falling temperatures by Sunday night into Monday.
While details remain uncertain, forecasters at the National Weather Prediction Center note that “additional model jumps are likely,” meaning the next cooldown could arrive faster—or hit harder—than current guidance suggests.
Photo by Quang Vuong
Why It Matters
- Energy costs: A few mild days can help households save on heating bills before the next cold stretch.
- Roads and repairs: The freeze-thaw cycle can stress pavement; crews may take advantage of this warm spell to patch early potholes.
- Outdoor plans: It’s a last call for yard work, late-season golf, and early holiday decorating without numb fingers.
Looking Ahead
Temperatures should stay above normal into early next week before trending cooler again. The long-range pattern hints at more active storm systems around Thanksgiving, but for now, enjoy this rare mid-November reprieve.
