What is spring like in Milwaukee? (weather, difference, what does)

[Milwaukee Ronnie]

Spring and fall in Milwaukee are transitional seasons. They offer up a little bit of everything: sunny, warm weather followed by ice and snow, followed by rain, followed by sun ... you get the idea.

We've seen 70 degree days in March and snow storms in May. We've had glorious, warm Aprils and cold, windy Mays. There really is no way to predict what spring will bring in Milwaukee.

The only safe bet is that January and February will be frigid, and that June will be nice and warm. What comes in the months between is anyone's guess.

[43north87west]

I'll jump in because I always hear people say "winter is great because you appreciate spring". It seems every time I'm in Milwaukee during winter, someone tells me this. I guess it somehow gives people something to look forward to. Here is what I always tell people about how I picture spring in Milwaukee, to put the "appreciation" of spring into perspective:

It's like leaving the casino after an all-nighter. On your way out the door, red-eyed and weary, you decide to throw a $20 into a slot machine, and you win $1000. It's a great feeling! The problem is, you're still down $10k from a rough night at the tables.

In other words, spring is beautiful because the weather is on the right path. But it isn't nice enough to make up for winter.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by Ron Burgundy

Instead of anecdotally recalling springs of the recent past, why not just consult the averages:



Here's a shocker, 11 months out of twelve, the average high is above freezing. More proof that these past few winters have been abnormally crappy. We're more likely to hit the mean one of these years than to continue out on the fringe.

I think the hard thing about consulting the averages - especially for months like March, April, and May in Milwaukee is that *average* is often non-typical. The Lake factor, the winds, and the northern latitude just make those months so variable and unpredictable.

Averages tend to work better in Milwaukee in the summer / early fall months when the patterns seem to be the most consistent and reliable to trends of previous years.

But surely I do think consulting the averages isn't a bad thing and in general can be a helpful guide. April - average high for the month of 54 and low of 36 - yeah, factoring the variables between April 1 and the end of the month - that probably provides a decent synopsis of the month (with some strong lake breezes).

[almost3am]

My feelings about Spring are scattered throughout these posts, but slightly different. "Transitional", as mentioned above, is a good word for me, as it is a transition in lifestyle. In Winter I am much more active in indoor activities, and Spring is when I become much more active outdoors. Parties move from inside to outside, playing in the family room with the kids moves to the yard, etc. While Spring weather is unpredictable, and the ground is muddy, I really love it. It is a change, which to me is great.

When I lived in LA, I remember walking in to work one day and thinking, "tomorrow is Halloween and I don't even feel like it because it is too warm." From that point on, I more frequently went to the mountains to experience changes in the weather, as 75 everyday was boring to me (although I loved my time in LA).

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by Ron Burgundy

Instead of anecdotally recalling springs of the recent past, why not just consult the averages:



Here's a shocker, 11 months out of twelve, the average high is above freezing. More proof that these past few winters have been abnormally crappy. We're more likely to hit the mean one of these years than to continue out on the fringe.

The biggest issue most people that I've come across with the weather in Milwaukee/Chicago, is wind. Combine those temps with the wind, and it's a much different ball game than other places.

The expectation point is a good one. People get tired after Dec-Feb of winter and they want something better in March and April, and in my many years of experience, it doesn't happen most of the time. I'd call May iffy at best, and early June even disappoints with frequency. So, in some years, as expectations grow for some each month, so do frustrations.

Imo, people who are not from places like Chicago and Milwaukee, and live there, they seem okay the first few years, but it wears them down over time to the point where some leave and others move in to take their place. Many locals simply just deal with it and are used to it and don't say much about it often times imo.

Milwaukee is a good place with a lot of things, and all weather is relative, but to the average person, weather isn't at or near the top of my selling points for Milwaukee with a handful of months being exceptions, and those are very nice.

[vdy1985]

So today was kinda like spring, wouldn't you say?

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by vdy1985

So today was kinda like spring, wouldn't you say?

Yep...would've been like a common day in April or May when the sun is shining.

It was fairly pleasant (sunny, blue skies, moderate temps in the 50s to maybe 60) although extremely windy (gusts between 25 to 40 mph).

Spring days (April and May) are commonly like this, although if they are cloudy, overcast, or rainy, they can be quite chillier. Certainly there are some warmer days sprinkled in there too.

For early February though, in Milwaukee, I sure the heck was appreciating it.

[vdy1985]

I can't wait for spring! What a tease.

[almost3am]

Originally Posted by vdy1985

I can't wait for spring! What a tease.

Totally a tease, but I enjoyed it anyway. I was cleaning up the dishes before leaving for work yesterday and I heard birds chirping in the backyard...it was such a nice feeling.

We were at the zoo on Saturday and it was packed like a summer Saturday. We were in before 10 and it was pretty crowded, but not bad, but when we left around 12:30 the parking lot was CRAZY.

[vdy1985]

Today is the ugliest day I've ever experienced in my life. I don't mind freezing cold temps and snow, but this upper 30s with the wet rain and melting snow just sucks.