First, we discovered we would be getting pelted by nearly a foot of snow in the Milwaukee area.
Now, you may need to do a double-take at the negative double-five…
…yes, that number in the graphic above from Storm Team 4 is what you thought it was when you first saw it.
-55.
Take a second to give yourself a deep breath, and not taking that breath outside in that kind of cold which will freeze your nostrils or freeze coffee that you might spill on the ground BEFORE it hits the ground.
-55.
For those who need some sort of historical reference, that’s a colder wind chill than the legendary Packers-Cowboys Ice Bowl was back on December 31, 1967.
-55.
Think about how many layers of clothing you add when you go from 55 degrees ABOVE zero to zero degrees. Sweatshirt. Turtleneck. Parka. Long underwear. Double socks. Winter hat. Gloves. Scarf. Snowpants.
What do you do when conditions drop 55 degrees more? Are there enough layers in your closet to add?
OK, it won’t actually be -55, though it will feel like it.
Storm Team 4’s Brian Niznansky says it will drop to a low temperature of -23 on Wednesday.
That is exactly three degrees warmer than the lowest of low temperatures in Milwaukee’s history, -26. The mercury hit that low twice in our area, on January 17, 1894 and February 3, 1992.
The thought of -26 is bad enough.
But -55?
Get ready, Wisconsin.
