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Severe thunderstorms are possible across Wisconsin on Tuesday, with the greatest threat being northwest of Milwaukee, forecasters say.

A tornado watch is in effect for almost all of Wisconsin, excluding the Milwaukee metro area, until 9 p.m.

Milwaukee and counties surrounding it are not included in the tornado watch because a breeze has developed off Lake Michigan which means cool, more stable air is over far southeast Wisconsin, said Paul Collar, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sullivan.

Thunderstorms, especially severe storms, feed on warm unstable air.

While not in the tornado watch, the weather could still get loud over far southeast Wisconsin during the evening hours, Collar said.

Among the cities included in the tornado watch are Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Madison, Fond du Lac, Wausau, Stevens Point, La Crosse, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Manitowoc, Sturgeon Bay and Janesville

"The storms could get a bit feisty in the late afternoon or early evening," said Rebecca Hansen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sullivan.

All of this is being caused by a cold front that is poised to collide with unseasonably warm, humid air that is flowing up into Wisconsin from the Gulf of Mexico.

"We sort of skipped spring and went straight into summer," Hansen said. "With the warmer and more humid air, there are more chances for thunderstorms."

The cold front that is set to move through won't be enough to overpower all that warm air, but it will be enough to potentially stir up some storms.

"It looks like the peak (time for thunderstorms) is going to be between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., but storms could linger a little longer than that," on Tuesday, Hansen said.

Look for storms possibly popping up by early afternoon.

“We’re expecting storms to fire out west of Madison and north and northwest of Fond du Lac starting as early as 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. this afternoon and they’ll start to make their way to the east and southeast during the mid- to late-afternoon hours,” said John Gagan, a weather service meteorologist in Sullivan.

Eventually, the thunderstorms are expected to become more numerous and could form into a line of storms along the front, Hansen said.

Storms are expected to move out of state by 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.

Heat index may approach 90 Tuesday

While storms are expected to fire up along a cold front on Tuesday, the front won't be strong enough to overcome the summer-like weather that is forecast for the week throughout much of Wisconsin.

Highs away from Lake Michigan are forecast to reach into the 80s on Tuesday.

“We’re going to be well into the 80s today, especially as you get away from the lakefront,” Gagan said. “A lot of the inland areas are going to be in the mid-80s with increasing humidity.”

The heat index – the combination of heat and humidity that reflects what it actually feels like outside -- could approach 90 in some spots on Tuesday, Gagan said.

“Given how cool we were in April, this will be an abrupt change,” Gagan said. “Remember to wear your sunscreen, keep yourself cool and stay hydrated,” especially if you are working outside on Tuesday.

The high on Tuesday in Waukesha is forecast to be 83. The high in Milwaukee on Tuesday is forecast to be 76.

The humidity will be rising along with the temperatures.

Madison is forecast to hit a high of 89 degrees on Thursday and some folks will no doubt be switching on their air conditioners for the first time this year.

The summer-like temperatures are expected to remain in place at least through the end of the workweek, according to the weather service.

"It's going to get warm," Hansen said. "It's everybody's favorite time of year: Cooler by the lake."

Weather Radar

Contact Joe Taschler at (414) 224-2554 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeTaschler or Facebook at facebook.com/joe.taschler.1.

Wisconsin and the Milwaukee metro area are going to get a taste of summer by early next week.

The forecast is calling for an abrupt and — for many folks — welcome change from the cool, wet, dreary spring Milwaukee and much of Wisconsin has seen this year.

"It's going to feel like summer," said Paul Collar, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sullivan. "It looks like through next week we could stay very, very warm.

"I think a lot of people want this to happen," Collar added. "We're overdue. But having said that, it's kind of kicking us right into summer mode. It's like, 'hey, what happened to spring?'

"We're just kind of going from this coolness into what will be very warm and humid."

The forecast high temperatures seem almost unbelievable. Here is a sampling of high temperatures for Tuesday, May 10:

"People are not used to jumping from this cool weather we have had into what will be abnormally warm and abnormally humid," Collar said. "The real warming kicks into high gear on Monday and you'll really notice it on Tuesday and Wednesday."

Look for the warm pattern to hang around for at least a few days, potentially, Collar added.

Humidity will increase significantly in Milwaukee, across Wisconsin

The dew point — a measure of how much moisture is in the air — will be racing higher, too, as the temperatures rise, Collar said.

Dew points could rise into the 60s next week. That means it's going to feel warm and muggy.

Here are the general comfort levels regarding dew points, according to the weather service:

All that humidity will be heading north from the Gulf of Mexico.

"The Gulf is open for business," Collar said.

The warmth will build through the upcoming weekend. In Milwaukee, look for sunny skies and highs of 58 degrees on Saturday and Sunday.

It will be cooler by Lake Michigan

Areas along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior could be an exception to the soaring temperatures.

"(Lake Michigan) is still going to have a say," Collar said. The high temperature for Sheboygan is forecast to be 64 on Wednesday, for example.

Still, "I think the whole state, from time to time, will be getting in on this very warm pattern," Collar added.

As far as rain (or snow — it has snowed in May in Milwaukee) next week, there are a few chances for some scattered showers.

"We won't have a completely dry forecast, (but) it's looking less and less likely that we will have organized precipitation moving through," for the first part of next week, Collar said.

Far western Wisconsin could see thunderstorms on Monday, but the storm chances are far from certain, the national Storm Prediction Center said in a statement early Friday.

You might want to turn on the air conditioner. Seriously.

Air conditioners may need to be switched on in some parts of Wisconsin by midweek.

"Inland areas are going to see temperatures well into the 80s potentially," Collar said. "We're seeing very high probabilities of temperatures exceeding 80 degrees, especially in the Madison area."

Count Collar among those ready for warmer weather.

"For me, personally, I'm very excited that we are trending this way," he said. "It's going to be quite a change from what we've been used to.

"Talk about summer hitting with a fury," Collar added.

Contact Joe Taschler at (414) 224-2554 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeTaschler or Facebook at facebook.com/joe.taschler.1.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Milwaukee Tool will invest $206 million and create 1,000 new jobs in Wisconsin.

The state will provide up to $22.5 million in Enterprise Zone tax credits, raising the state's total investment in the company's success to $70.5 million. Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes and company officials made the announcement Thursday in Menomonee Falls.

“For nearly 100 years, Milwaukee Tool has been making high-quality products to help workers in Wisconsin and around the world get the job done,” said Gov. Evers. “Through all that time, Milwaukee Tool has never stopped innovating and has never stopped investing in Wisconsin, seeing remarkable growth even in just the last decade. We’re glad to be continuing our investment in them today to not only create good-paying jobs for Wisconsinites but to ensure that growth continues in the years to come.”

WEDC and Milwaukee Tool began their partnership in 2016.

“Milwaukee Tool’s investment in Wisconsin is creating opportunities not only for the company’s workers but for all the suppliers, construction companies, and others who partner with them,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Hughes. “The company has deep Wisconsin roots and displays those Badger values in the communities they work in by paying employees fairly and encouraging them to give back through volunteering.”

As of Dec. 31, 2021, Milwaukee Tool has invested more than $233 million and created 2,289 new jobs.

“This state has been our company’s home for nearly 100 years, and we’re proud to continue our investments here,” said Ty Staviski, chief financial officer for Milwaukee Tool. “Our people are the key to our success. We look forward to introducing 1,000 more people to the incredible culture we’ve created at our world-class facilities.”

According to a news release from the governor's office, Milwaukee Tool currently employs more than 10,000 people in the United States, with more than 3,600 in Wisconsin.

“With innovative design and products with exceptional performance, Milwaukee Tool’s a clear industry leader,” said Gale Klappa, co-chair of Milwaukee 7 and executive chairman of WEC Energy Group. “The company’s extraordinary growth trajectory is creating career opportunities for graduates of our colleges and universities, as well as luring talented people to southeastern Wisconsin from across the world. As Milwaukee Tool applies its technical expertise to new markets and product categories, this remarkable company is well-positioned for continued growth.”

Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Three friends say they are planning to fly to Austria on May 12 to deliver humanitarian supplies to Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

MILWAUKEE, WI — A group of three friends, two of whom reside mainly in the Milwaukee area, are planning a trip to Poland in the coming weeks to deliver humanitarian supplies for Ukraine amid the continued Russian assault on the country.

As of May 3, the United Nations estimates about 5.6 million people have fled Ukraine to various countries, The BBC reported. Fighting and Russian bombardments on Ukraine have continued into May.

Like many in the United States, Greg Ryan has been watching the conflict unfold on the television, but by mid-May, he expects to be in Poland, witnessing first-hand pieces of the war's toll.

"Basically, we're three retired guys who have had a lot of fortune in our lives. And our schedules are flexible. And so we kind of just put together a plan to go over there and help the refugees," Greg Ryan told Patch on Wednesday ahead of his planned trip.

Ryan is planning the trip to Poland alongside his friends, Wisconsin-based Rob Grede and California-based Dale Wilson. The plan, once they land in Austria, is to rent a van, accumulate supplies, and deliver it all to Przemy?l, a city on the border between Poland and Ukraine, Ryan said.

Ryan has lived in the Milwaukee area for decades now. He told Patch that he resided in Shorewood for much of his time in the area before moving to Milwaukee proper about three years ago. He splits his time between Milwaukee and Nashville.

When the plan materialized, Ryan set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe with a goal of $5000. In one week, he managed to raise $7,272. The group will be using their own money to cover their travel expenses, and they've already booked flights for May 12, Ryan said.

"I have tons of stuff in my house already," Ryan said, "I am planning on packing my suitcases just full of tourniquets, water filters, and other things that they are in desperate need of, and hauling that stuff over there and giving it all away for free."

Other supplies the group plans to deliver include hygiene materials, such as toothbrushes and tampons, and ready-to-eat foods like energy bars, according to Ryan's GoFundMe.

"I hope to make at least a few people that are having the most horrible time in their lives, I hope to make their lives a little better," Ryan said. "If I can give them food, or hygiene materials, or things like water, or water filters, things to make their lives just a little easier."

The three friends will be flying out of individual airports and meeting in Vienna, Ryan said. The plan is to be there for a week.

For those looking to follow along, Ryan has created a Facebook group to document the journey called "Three Guys On A Mission."

More local stories on the Ukraine conflict from Patch:

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

Reporting by the Associated Press was used in this article.

Spring is in the air, and Easter is nearly here. Here's a guide for dining around Milwaukee County on Easter, plus some events.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Happy spring, Easter and Passover! As warmer air sets in and the holiday weekend grows near, you may be looking forward to planning brunch, hunting for eggs, or preparing Sedar meals.

This year, Easter falls on Sunday, April 17, while Passover runs April 15-22.

As you plan your weekend, here are some suggestions for brunch, dinner and dining deals throughout the Milwaukee area, plus a list of events going on around the area.

Many events or restaurants may be fully booked, so as always, it's recommended you confirm each event is happening or reserve a table ahead of time.

Located at 7973 Main Street in Oak Creek, Cubanitas Oak Creek will be open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday for brunch and "guavamosas," the restaraunt said in a Facebook post.

Meyer's plans on hosting an Easter Dinner on Sunday, including ham, Polish sausage, salad and more. The restaraunt is located at 4260 South 76th Street in Milwaukee.

Sandra's On The Park

Sandra's On The Park, located at 10049 Forest Home Avenue in Hales Corners, plans on offering a unique menu for Easter including seafood, steak, ham, salad and more. The spot will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m., according to a Facebook post by the business.

Bavarian Bierhaus

The Bavarian Bierhaus, located at 700 Lexington Boulevard in Glendale, plans on offering a buffet on Sunday for Easter from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Menu items include eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, Spatzle, ham, beef goulash, baked chicken, cod and more. More information and reservations are available here.

The Hubbard Park Lodge, located in Shorewood in Hubbard Park, plans on hosting a brunch buffet from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Menu items vary between cheeses, potatoes, an omelette bar, a carving station and more. Call in reservations are required: 414-273-8300.

Joey Gerard's

Joey Gerard's, located at 5601 Broad Street in Greendale, plans on hosting Easter brunch. For more details and to make reservations visit the restaurant's website.

The Packing House, located at 900 East Layton Avenue in Milwaukee, will be open Sunday for Easter from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. with a full menu and a traditional Easter dinner of honey roasted ham and more sides.

Carry out will not be available. To make a reservation visit the restaurant's website or call them at 414-483-5054.

The Cellar Pub and Grill

The Cellar Pub and Grill, 812 Oakwood Road in Oak Creek, will be open for brunch from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday with a buffet, carving station and omlette station, according to a Facebook post from the business. Call at (414) 762-9844 or visit their website.

Many Easter Egg hunts in Milwaukee communities have already passed, but if you're looking for one, here are a few to look into:

The Franklin Historical Society has scheduled its first open house of the year to coincide with the Franklin Lions Club Easter Egg hunt for Saturday at 10 a.m., the society posted to Facebook. Buildings at the historical society will be open for tours after the hunt.

The grounds are located at 8050 South Legend Drive in Franklin.

Shorewood Men's Club Easter Egg Hunt

The Shorewood Men's Club has planned its annual Easter Egg hunt for 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Hubbard Park, the Village of Shorewood announced.

Hales Corners Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt At Whitnall Middle School

The Hales Corners Lion Club has scheduled its Easter Egg Hunt and a pancake breakfast for Saturday at 9 a.m. at Whitnall Middle School, 5025 S 116th Street in Greenfield.

The egg hunt starts in the woods behind the middle school with the breakfast to follow. Hunters should bring their own baskets and good footwear is reccomended. The cost for breakfast ranges from $7 for adults to $3 for children 10 and younger, according to a Facebook event from the Lions Club.

Did we miss anything? Other events to share? Share with other readers in the comments below, or reach out: [email protected] This article may be updated with more events and dining deals.