Honestly, if you've lived in West Allis for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the app, see a "chance of flurries," and then two hours later you're digging your SUV out of a drift that wasn't there when you went to get a coffee. It's kinda wild how the weather for West Allis acts like its own sovereign nation, separate from the rest of Milwaukee County.
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is a perfect example of that local moodiness. We're currently sitting at a crisp 22°F, but it feels like a biting 9°F because of that 14 mph wind whipping in from the west. If you're looking out the window right now, you're seeing that light snow. It’s consistent. It’s relentless. And it’s exactly what the current conditions predicted for this Friday night.
The Reality of the Weather for West Allis Right Now
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what’s happening outside. We've got high humidity—around 81%—which makes that cold air stick to your bones. It’s that "wet cold" that Wisconsinites love to complain about.
The rest of tonight is staying fairly predictable, if you call snow predictable. There’s a 57% chance of precipitation, specifically snow. Earlier today, we actually hit a high of 35°F during a heavy snow storm, but that feels like a distant memory now that the sun's down. We’re heading toward a low of 17°F tonight.
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What to Expect Through Tomorrow
Basically, don't put the shovel away. While today was defined by that heavy storm energy, tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is going to be a different kind of beast. It’s going to be much cooler.
- Morning/Afternoon: Mostly cloudy. You’ll see snow flurries and intermittent snow showers, especially as the afternoon rolls in.
- The High: We’re only looking at 17°F for the high tomorrow. That’s a massive drop from today's 35°F.
- The Wind: Still coming from the west at 10 to 20 mph.
- Snow Accumulation: We're looking at less than an inch for the Saturday surge, but with the wind, it’ll be drifting across Greenfield Ave like it owns the place.
Why West Allis Gets the "Lake Effect" (Sorta)
People always talk about lake effect snow like it’s this magical, localized phenomenon. It is. But West Allis is in a weird spot. We’re about 6 to 7 miles inland from Lake Michigan.
When that cold Canadian air rolls over the relatively "warmer" waters of the lake, it creates these narrow bands of intense snow. Usually, the heaviest stuff hits the immediate lakeshore—think Bay View or downtown. But when the wind direction shifts just right, those bands can dump 3 inches an hour on us while New Berlin is bone dry. It’s why the weather for West Allis is such a gamble for commuters.
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Today’s west wind actually pushes that lake effect away from us and toward Michigan, which is why we’re seeing "light snow" instead of a total whiteout. If that wind flips to the east? Game over.
The January Freeze: A Historical Look
January in West Allis is traditionally the month where we all question why we live here. Average highs usually hover around 29°F, but we rarely stay there for long.
Historically, we’ve seen some wild stuff in mid-January. If you remember the 2011 "Groundhog Day Blizzard," you know how quickly things can escalate. Even looking back at the last couple of years, like the heavy snow and gusty winds we had in mid-January 2024, it’s clear that this week is right in the "danger zone" for winter enthusiasts.
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Interestingly, the record cold for late January usually bottoms out around 16°F for an average low, but we've seen it plunge well below zero when the Arctic oscillation decides to pay a visit. Luckily, tonight’s 17°F low is pretty much par for the course. It’s cold, sure, but it’s "West Allis cold"—meaning we still see people wearing shorts at the grocery store.
How to Handle the Next 24 Hours
The humidity is high (79% to 81%), and the UV index is a flat zero. You aren't getting a tan, and your skin is probably going to feel like parchment paper.
Actionable Survival Steps:
- Check your tires now: With the temperature dropping from 35°F today to a projected 7°F by Saturday night, your tire pressure is going to tank. Physics is a jerk like that.
- Salt early: Since we had light snow tonight and a "heavy snow storm" earlier, there's likely a layer of slush under the fresh powder. If you don't salt it before the temperature hits 17°F tonight, your driveway will be a skating rink by 6:00 AM.
- Watch the West Wind: That 15 mph wind from the west is going to make the Saturday high of 17°F feel closer to zero. Layers aren't a suggestion; they're a requirement.
- The "Single Digit" Threat: Saturday night is looking at a low of 7°F. If you have pets, bring 'em in early.
The weather for West Allis isn't just about a number on a screen. It’s about the humidity, the lake proximity, and that relentless west wind that defines our winters. Stay warm, keep the salt handy, and maybe grab an extra pack of coffee—you're going to be doing some shoveling tomorrow afternoon.
Next Steps for Staying Safe:
- Monitor the wind chill values tomorrow morning, as they are expected to stay in the single digits.
- Clear your furnace vents of any drifting snow from today's heavy storm to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Check on neighbors, especially as we transition into the much colder 7°F temperatures Saturday night.