Wisconsin weather: Severe storm potential Friday afternoon

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Published August 21, 2026 1:28 PM CDT

The Brief

    • Another round of scattered thunderstorms is possible Friday afternoon and evening.
    • Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible, with damaging wind, hail and an isolated tornado.
    • The severe threat increases if sunshine, and higher dewpoints return.

MILWAUKEE - An incoming cold front will bring another chance for thunderstorms across southeast Wisconsin late Friday afternoon into the evening. 

Despite the morning rain, a few storms could still become severe, especially if clouds break and allow for some sunshine. That would boost temperatures and dew points ahead of the front, providing more energy for storms. 

If clouds remain in place, however, storms would likely be weaker.

Severe thunderstorm watch

What we know:

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Jefferson, Walworth and Kenosha counties until 10 p.m. Friday night.

Timing It Out

Timeline:

Storms could develop as early as 4 p.m. and continue at a scattered rate through about  8p.m. 

Friday Storm Threats

Local perspective:

The severe weather threat Friday is conditional, meaning storms could become severe if the atmosphere destabilizes and enough energy builds in. 

The main threats are damaging winds and large hail, with an isolated tornado also possible, though the tornado threat is lower.

Stay weather aware if you will be outdoors this evening, and have a way to receive alerts in case of severe weather.

The Source: Information in this post was provided by the FOX6 Weather Experts. 

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