Fog and Refreezing: Navigating Milwaukee’s Complex Weather Patterns
As Milwaukee transitions through a diverse range of weather conditions, from freezing rain to sleet and snow, residents must exercise caution and stay informed about potential hazards. Understanding the different types of precipitation and taking appropriate precautions are key to navigating these challenges safely and effectively.
Understanding Precipitation: From Rain to Snow
Precipitation, a fundamental aspect of weather, manifests in various forms, each with its unique characteristics.
Rain: The most prevalent form of precipitation, rain occurs when frozen precipitation, typically snow, encounters a warm layer of air, causing it to melt and descend to the Earth’s surface as liquid water.
Freezing Rain: A hazardous weather condition, freezing rain occurs when precipitation falls as liquid but freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing temperature. This results in a treacherous glaze of ice, creating slick surfaces and posing risks to pedestrians and drivers.
Sleet: A mixture of rain and snow, sleet forms when precipitation encounters a layer of warm air that melts it, only to encounter a colder layer near the surface that refreezes the droplets into ice pellets. These pellets, often referred to as ice pellets, can be small and round or larger and irregular in shape.
Snow: The solid form of precipitation, snow occurs when the entire column of air from the clouds to the surface is below freezing temperature, causing moisture to condense directly into ice crystals. These crystals then aggregate and fall to the ground as snowflakes, exhibiting a wide variety of intricate and beautiful shapes.
Navigating Icy Conditions and Dense Fog
As Milwaukee transitions from freezing rain to sleet and snow, residents are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety.
Icy Roads and Sidewalks: With temperatures hovering around freezing, refreezing is likely to occur overnight, resulting in icy conditions on roads and sidewalks. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and cautiously, leaving ample space between vehicles. Pedestrians should wear appropriate footwear with good traction to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
Dense Fog Advisory: A dense fog advisory has been issued for the entire area, extending through 10 AM tomorrow. Visibility is expected to be significantly reduced, posing a hazard to drivers. Motorists are advised to use their headlights and maintain a safe following distance.
Lingering Fog and a Warm Outlook
The fog is expected to persist for much of the week, fueled by a combination of warm air moving over a large snowpack. Residents should be prepared for reduced visibility and exercise caution while driving.
The long-range forecast predicts a continued warm trend, with temperatures expected to reach the 50s in the coming weeks. This welcome respite from the cold will likely accelerate the melting of the snowpack, providing relief from the challenging winter conditions.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As the weather continues to evolve, residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts and advisories. By understanding the different types of precipitation and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can navigate the challenges of winter weather safely and effectively.