Weather
Life-Threatening Waves Expected At WI Beaches Before Memorial Day Weekend
The National Weather Service says dangerous currents are expected along parts of Lake Michigan before conditions improve for the weekend.
MILWAUKEE, WI — Life-threatening waves and dangerous currents are expected at Lake Michigan beaches in southeast Wisconsin before Memorial Day weekend gets underway, according to the National Weather Service.
A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties.
The NWS said waves of 2 to 4 feet are expected, along with dangerous currents. Dangerous swimming conditions are expected because of high waves and onshore winds.
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People should stay out of the water and avoid dangerous areas such as piers and breakwalls, the NWS said. Strong structural and longshore currents are expected, and rip currents are possible.
A High Swim Risk is expected at beaches in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties Wednesday evening into Wednesday night, according to the NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook.
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The High Swim Risk will continue into Thursday morning, and another High Swim Risk may occur Thursday night into Friday.
Storm chances are also in the forecast before the holiday weekend improves.
Friday night is expected to bring showers in Milwaukee, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation. New rainfall amounts between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch are possible, according to the NWS forecast.
Saturday carries a 20 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 68.
Conditions should improve by Sunday and Memorial Day.
Here is the latest Milwaukee forecast from NWS:
Wednesday afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Thursday: A chance of sprinkles after 10 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Friday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 61.
Friday night: Showers, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Memorial Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
The bottom line: stay out of Lake Michigan through the beach hazard period, watch for showers Friday night into Saturday morning, and expect better weather by Sunday and Memorial Day.
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