Wisconsin’s Easter weekend forecast brings a mix of spring impacts across the state, including lingering flooding, areas of ice, scattered rain and snow showers, and a brief period of quieter weather before a more active pattern returns next week.
3-Bullet Brief
- Flooding concerns continue in southwest and central Wisconsin as rivers rise
- Ice impacts in northern Wisconsin may cause power outages and tree damage
- Easter Sunday is quieter with highs near 50 before active weather returns next week
Southern Wisconsin: Rain Ends but Water Issues Continue
Heavy rain from Friday into early Saturday is moving out, but impacts remain.
An additional inch of rainfall overnight is leading to ponding on roads and rising rivers, especially in low-lying areas.
Counties including Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Dodge, Washington, Green Lake, and Marquette may briefly dip to freezing early Saturday morning, allowing for isolated patchy freezing rain before temperatures rise.
“Expecting up to an additional inch of rain… leading to local ponding of water and rising rivers.”
Easter Sunday will be relatively quiet with highs near 50 and only a slight chance of scattered showers late in the day into Sunday night.
Southwest and Central Wisconsin: Flood Concerns Continue
Flooding remains the primary concern in southwest and parts of central Wisconsin.
Rivers already responding to heavy rainfall include:
- Kickapoo River
- Baraboo River at Kendall
- Yellow River at Necedah
Minor flooding is expected to continue into early next week as runoff works through the system.
Saturday will feature scattered rain and snow showers with highs in the upper 30s to near 50. On Easter Sunday, light rain or snow showers are possible, but accumulation will be minimal.
North-Central Wisconsin: Ice and Power Impacts
Northern and north-central Wisconsin are dealing with the tail end of a significant icing event.
Clark and Taylor counties could see up to a quarter inch of ice, with similar totals across parts of northern Wisconsin. Ice accumulation is mainly impacting elevated surfaces, including trees and power lines, which has already led to power outages.
“Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice.”
Conditions improve later Saturday morning as temperatures rise above freezing, though impacts may linger.
Easter Sunday looks mostly dry during the day, with a chance of light rain or snow returning Sunday night into Monday.
Northwest Wisconsin: Ice to Rain to Snow
Northwest Wisconsin has experienced a rapid transition of precipitation types.
Areas including Burnett and Sawyer counties saw at least a quarter inch of ice overnight. Conditions shift to rain by late morning Saturday, followed by a transition to snow by the afternoon and evening.
Lake Superior may enhance snowfall along the South Shore before precipitation tapers off Saturday night.
On Easter Sunday, a passing system could bring snow showers and the potential for brief snow squalls with reduced visibility.
Easter Sunday Overview
- High temperatures range from the low 40s in the north to around 50 in southern Wisconsin
- Much of the day will be dry
- Scattered rain and snow showers return late
- Travel impacts are expected to be minimal
Looking Ahead
A brief quieter period early next week will give way to a more active pattern.
Monday will be mostly dry with a slight chance of showers. By Tuesday night through next weekend, multiple systems are expected to bring periodic chances for rain and thunderstorms.
Bottom Line
Easter weekend in Wisconsin will feature improving conditions in the south, ongoing flooding concerns in central and southwest areas, lingering ice impacts in the north, and a mix of precipitation types in the northwest. Conditions gradually settle by Sunday before turning active again next week. Check our Forecasts Page for updates in your area.
