Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, could experience record-breaking high temperatures on Monday, February 16, potentially surpassing marks set decades ago, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS is forecasting a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in both cities, which would exceed the existing record of 56 degrees in Milwaukee, set in 1921 and the 57-degree record in Madison from 1981. Temperatures are expected to be warmest along the Wisconsin-Illinois border.
NWS meteorologist Taylor Patterson explained that the potential for record highs hinges on wind patterns. “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.
Whereas these temperatures are unusually warm for mid-February, they fall short of the highs recorded in 2024. Madison reached 70 degrees and Milwaukee hit 74 degrees on February 27, 2024.
The brief respite from winter will be followed by a return to colder conditions. Snow is forecast to return by Friday, with temperatures dropping to the mid-30s in Milwaukee. Rain is as well anticipated mid-week, with a possibility of thunderstorms overnight Tuesday.
The NWS has also cautioned residents about the instability of any remaining ice on bodies of water. Patterson warned that any frozen areas are likely unsafe.
