Honestly, if you’re living in Waukesha right now, you know the drill. It’s mid-January. The air doesn't just feel cold; it feels like it’s trying to pick a fight with your face. We’ve hit that stretch of winter where the "Wait five minutes and the weather will change" Wisconsin trope is in full effect, but mostly it's just changing from "cold" to "really cold."
Currently, the weather forecast for Waukesha is showing a temperature of 11°F, but that number is a total lie. Because of a steady 9 mph southwest wind, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting at a biting -2°F. If you’re heading out toward Frame Park or just running to Meijer, don’t let that 11-degree reading fool you. It’s bitter out there.
We’re seeing light showers of snow right now with a humidity level of 76%. It’s that fine, powdery stuff that doesn’t look like much until it’s coating your windshield for the third time today.
The Sunday Slump and What’s Coming Tonight
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re looking at a high of maybe 12°F. It’s going to stay mostly cloudy for the rest of the afternoon. There’s about a 25% chance of snow during the daylight hours, but that risk jumps up as the sun goes down.
By tonight, things get dicey. The temperature is expected to crater to -2°F.
The National Weather Service out of Milwaukee/Sullivan has noted that a clipper system is moving through the Great Lakes. For us in Waukesha, that means the chance of snow increases to 35% tonight. We’re likely looking at another inch or two of accumulation. It's not a blizzard, but with the southwest winds hitting 12 mph, blowing snow is going to make the roads slick, especially on the I-94 corridor.
Why the Wind Chill is the Real Story
People often focus on the inches of snow, but in Waukesha, the wind is the real villain this week.
- Today’s Wind: 12 mph from the southwest.
- Tonight’s Wind: Staying steady, keeping those wind chills well below zero.
- The Monday Threat: A Cold Weather Advisory is already set to take effect starting at 3:00 AM Monday and lasting until noon.
When the wind chill drops into the -20s, like it's projected to do by Monday morning, exposed skin can freeze in about 30 minutes. It’s not just "inconvenient" cold; it’s "stay inside if you can" cold.
Looking Ahead: The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Outlook
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and if you have the day off, you might want to spend it indoors. The high is only reaching a measly 4°F.
It’ll be partly sunny, which is a nice change from the gray soup we've had lately, but the west winds will be gusting up to 30 mph. That means we’ll be dealing with "patchy blowing snow" all day. Basically, even if it stops snowing, the wind will just keep moving the old snow back onto the roads you just cleared.
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The Rest of the Week at a Glance
If you’re looking for a warm-up, you’re going to be disappointed, though Tuesday offers a tiny bit of relief.
- Tuesday: High of 12°F. Mostly sunny early on, then a slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Lows around 7°F.
- Wednesday: A bit "warmer" with a high of 23°F, but we’re looking at a 30% chance of snow again.
- Thursday: Back down to a high of 20°F under mostly sunny skies.
Practical Steps for Waukesha Residents
This isn't just about checking a phone app; it's about not getting stranded.
Vehicle Prep: If your car battery is more than three years old, this -2°F tonight is going to test it. If it sounds sluggish when you turn the key, get it tested at an auto shop on Moreland Blvd before Tuesday morning.
Home Maintenance: With temperatures dropping below zero, keep your cabinet doors open under sinks that are against outside walls. It feels like an old wives' tale, but it keeps the pipes from freezing when the house starts to lose heat faster than the furnace can keep up.
Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a coat for ten minutes, it's too cold for your dog. Limit walks to quick "business" trips and keep them inside.
The snow accumulation through tonight might only be an inch or two, but the combination of sub-zero wind chills and blowing snow makes for hazardous conditions. Keep your tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up and give yourself an extra ten minutes for the Monday morning commute.