Temperatures will continue to drop in Milwaukee on Saturday, December 13, with low wind chills continuing into Sunday, making it unsafe to stay outside for extended periods of time the rest of the weekend.
Temperatures are expected to reach 6 degrees Saturday afternoon with wind chills around -10 to -15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday night will be even colder, with a low around -5 degrees and wind chills ranging from -15 to -25 degrees.
Daytime temperatures on Sunday, December 14 will reach nearly 10 degrees, but wind chill will keep temperatures between minus 15 and minus 25 degrees. Sunday night temperatures will be slightly higher than Saturday, with a low around 3 degrees and wind chills between -5 and -10 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to ease starting Monday through the rest of next week.
If left unprotected, these conditions can cause frostbite within minutes. Here’s what to know.
On December 4, 2025, a Milwaukee School of Engineering freshman from Phoenix, Arizona, studying industrial engineering, braved the frigid air to take classes along East Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. By Friday, December 5, temperatures will warm slightly, with highs in the mid-20s.
Is it safe to go out this weekend?
Generally speaking, it is not safe to stay outside for more than 15 to 30 minutes.
When wind chill reaches minus 25 degrees, frostbite can appear within 15 minutes, according to the National Weather Service. But even in temperatures of 13 to 31 degrees, the American Red Cross recommends taking breaks indoors every half hour. When the wind chill drops below 13 degrees, the organization recommends staying indoors to minimize the risk of frostbite.
If you must go out, the National Weather Service offers these tips:
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keep dry: Make sure your clothes are dry and wear waterproof insulated boots. Wet clothes cause your body to lose heat faster.
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Keep covered: Wear gloves and a hat because at least half of your body temperature will be lost if your head is not covered.
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Wear-resistant layer: Trapping air between layers of loose clothing will help with insulation.
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Stay informed. Be sure to monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and plan accordingly.
What are the symptoms of frostbite?
The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of frostbite include:
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Cold, hard, waxy skin
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Clumsy due to stiff joints
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Foaming after rewarming
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Patches of red, white, blue, gray, purple, or brown skin, but changes in skin color may be difficult to see on brown or black skin
What to do if you have frostbite
The Mayo Clinic says you should seek emergency medical care if you experience severe shaking and pain, slurred speech, drowsiness and difficulty walking even after rewarming.
While you are waiting for medical care, you can take the following steps:
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Stay away from the cold and remove wet clothing.
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Wrap yourself in a warm blanket until help arrives
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Protect injured area from further damage
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If possible, avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes
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Take painkillers if needed
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Have a warm non-alcoholic beverage if possible
Milwaukee’s shelters getting warmer
Anyone in need of shelter can enter six overnight warming shelters across the city operated by the Milwaukee Housing and Homelessness Alliance.
Find shelter locations and hours here.
How cold should it be to walk your dog outdoors?
This weekend’s cold weather may also be too cold for your pet.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says dogs should not be left outdoors in subfreezing temperatures (32 degrees and below).
“Keep in mind that if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet,” the organization said.
According to PetMD, dogs with thick double coats tend to be more resistant to cold, while dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.
The pet medical group said dog owners should also consider that puppies, sick dogs and older dogs are at greater risk in cold temperatures because they have a harder time regulating their body temperature.
Find more information on how to keep your pets safe in cold weather here.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Temperatures continue to drop below zero in Milwaukee for the rest of the weekend