Sloppy weather returns to end the work week

After two very minor rain/snow events to start the week, it was nice to dry out today despite the abundant cloud cover. We'll have a few peeks of sun on Thursday as some drier air works into the state, but there will still be a decent amount of clouds. Clouds will fill back in late Thursday ahead of our next weather maker. As precipitation moves into the area Thursday night, that dry air will initially prevent the rain/snow from reaching the ground

Precipitation will start reaching the ground between 4-7am area wide in the form of wet snow and become widespread through the course of the morning. With an easterly wind and Lake Michigan water temperatures in the low to mid 40s, precipitation will likely mix with rain or change over to all rain at times lakeside. A majority of the wet snow and rain will fall from mid-morning through mid-afternoon, tapering off by late afternoon-early evening.

Temps will mainly be at or above freezing through the entire event, with upper 30s possible from Milwaukee to Kenosha. This, combined with the warm lake waters, will limit accumulation to an inch or less lakeside while 2-3" of wet snow accumulates inland. Isolated spots may see up to 4" if the snow comes down hard enough.

Biggest impacts will be slick roads inland and slushy roads lakeside along with low visibility during the day Friday. Since the brunt of the wet snow will fall during the warmest part of the day, that should help limit impacts on the roads. Worst road conditions will likely be early to mid-morning.

There's still some uncertainty in the track of this system and amount of dry air that lingers early Friday, so this forecast could change over the next 24 hours. Download the CBS 58 Ready Weather App to be alerted of any changes.

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