Spring-Like Warm Up: Weekend Surge Creates Weather 180

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – In just days Wisconsin will warm well over 40 degrees, but there is a price to pay with the spike in warmth.

As we slowly crawl out of the cold weather advisories and warnings to end the week, the thought of Spring couldn’t sound any better! But a blast of it, rapidly… may cause some problems across the state.

First off, it’ll become cloudy. If warmer air shoves into the region it’ll come in the form of a front. Those create clouds, which aren’t a bad thing. They actually act as blankets at night and keep our overnight lows warmer.

We are also looking at the start of snow melt with temperatures climbing above freezing starting on Saturday. This will start to strip away what winter recreation has finally piled up enough of to begin using. It’s striking exactly on the day of the annual American Birkebeiner. Race officials say the trails will hold up, still. Birkie fever is on!

Snowmobile and cross country ski trails across the state are nearly all or partially open now, too. With the snow melt ahead, spanning days, these conditions will become mushy to none. With temperatures in the 40s early next week, snow will melt at least a 1/2″ per day.

Melting snow also creates fog. It makes the day quite dreary looking. It may also become dense at times, too.

With the warmth also comes chances for a wintry mix of snow and rain. This mainly starts Monday and lingers into midweek. Which only adds to the rapid snow melt and localized flooding that may occur in some spots.

Ice will also not be safe starting next week. Especially if there is a current running underneath it. Areas like dams, inlets, outlets and rivers themselves will be weakened. If you go out on the ice to fish, measure ice often as it will be changing.

Temperatures still drop below freezing at night, too. This will cause wet areas to re-freeze to black ice. This happens on top of snow, stairs, driveways, side roads and more. Be careful!

Slip and fall injuries are among the most common winter-related accidents, often leading to serious consequences like fractures, sprains, or head injuries.

“You want to make sure you have some good quality footwear with good traction so that when you’re making contact with the ground, starting from your feet down, you’ve got good tread, non-slip soles, something that’s pretty stable and secure on your feet.” says Kaitlin Eichman, a Physical Therapist at Aspirus. “We encourage people to make your base of support a little wider, think penguin feet. Turn your feet outward a little bit and take short steps.”

Eichman adds, “Move slowly, look where you are going, use a handrail or car and keep your arms free. Don’t step onto an angled curb with your arms full of grocery bags.”

Winter hazards don’t stop at the doorstep. Melted snow and water tracked inside can create slippery floors. Be sure to put down absorbent mats at all entrances and use boot trays to catch excess water.

Good news for winter recreation, more snow in a big traditional snow system wants to strike in early March! More details in the video below.