Meteorologist Chad Franzen
@chadwsaw
Award winning Meteorologist & Web Director for WSAW and WZAW Television in Wausau, WI.
Tuesday morning forecast update … let’s recap Monday night: Several #tornado warnings were issued across central #Wisconsin Monday night, with most of the reports from #Marathon County. Latest forecast- https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/21/breezy-cooler-weather-returns-central-wisconsin-tuesday/
First Alert Weather Update [1:15pm] Strong to severe storms remain on tap for the rest of the day with the strongest storms having the possibility for #tornadoes. Latest - https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/20/first-alert-weather-day-monday-strong-severe-storms-return-central-wisconsin/
#FirstAlert Weather Day remains in effect Monday due to the likelihood of strong to severe thunderstorms by the late afternoon hours. Expect the second round to develop quickly- https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/20/first-alert-weather-day-monday-strong-severe-storms-return-central-wisconsin/
It's been 144 hours since we were this 🥶 in #Wausau ... Did you notice the much cooler start this morning? It was noticeably cooler and less humid to start off this Thursday !
First Alert Weather Day Update- #Smoke from #wildfires remains quite thick over #Wisconsin, as Air Quality Advisories have been extended across our area. Latest update on when conditions will improve -> https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/15/first-alert-weather-days-issued-due-dense-wildfire-smoke-haze/
We have issued a First Alert Weather Day due to heavy smoke and haze from wildfires in #Canada and northern #Minnesota. See the latest air quality levels for your neighborhood & when it will clear -> https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/15/first-alert-weather-days-issued-due-dense-wildfire-smoke-haze/
#Wildfire #smoke and #haze Wednesday update: Hot temps & poor air quality remains over central #Wisconsin the next several days, as the very dry weather continues. Showers & storms arrive at the end of the week- https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/15/first-alert-hot-weather-poor-air-quality-wednesday/
With the wildfire smoke💨and haze over #Wisconsin the next several days, don't forget to use the recirculate air feature on your car ! Latest on how long it will last and our next chance for rain-> https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/15/first-alert-hot-weather-poor-air-quality-wednesday/
First Alert Weather Day continues throughout Tuesday evening, as dangerous heat & humidity remains over central #Wisconsin this week. Extremely dry conditions remain over Wisconsin for most this week, latest https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/13/first-alert-weather-days-monday-tuesday-due-extreme-heat/
#FirstAlertWeather: On this date (7/13) in 1936, the all-time highest temperature in the state was set in Wisconsin Dells. In addition, Wausau and many other places on this list also set their record highest temperatures. #wsawwx #wiwx Current Conditions: http://wsaw.com/weather/maps
First Alert Weather Update [1:30pm] The Storm Prediction Center is monitoring a good portion of southern #Wisconsin, to issue a severe thunderstorm watch later this afternoon. https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/08/first-alert-weather-day-effect-wednesday-due-increased-concerns-severe-storms-flooding/
There's a small chance for storms tonight, with better chances for storms Wednesday. There will be 2 rounds tomorrow, morning storms with severe storms possible by afternoon. https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/07/first-alert-weather-day-effect-wednesday-due-increased-concerns-severe-storms-flooding/
Get ready for more #summertime heat and humidity to return this week over #Wisconsin as another round of showers and storms approaches by mid-week. Latest details- www.wsaw.com/weather Stay cool this week y’all ! Chad
#Suntabulous conditions return Tuesday, with much needed showers & storms arriving by mid-week. Latest on the timing of the storms & the rest of the 7-day forecast - https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/06/beautiful-monday-wet-weather-returns-towards-middle-week/ Have an awesometabulous evening! - Chad
Ahhh #Monday … it seems like we just had one?!? 😜🤪 Hope y’all have an awesometabulous day! Latest on our #summer like weather in central #Wisconsin - www.wsaw.com/weather
#Abby the albino 🦌 is just #chillaxin on this Sunday after the Fourth of July. Hope y’all had a very safe and awesometastic Holiday Weekend! #4thOfJuly
♪♫♪ Happy Birthday #America ... 250 never looked so good! ♪♫♪ Please have a very safe and happy Fourth of July!!! Latest on our rain/storm chances-> www.wsaw.com/weather Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Fellow pet owners, here's a few tips on how to keep your furry friends from "freaking out" during fireworks: Keep them in an interior room to limit loud sounds and/or turn your tv to try to keep them calm. Happy 4th of July .... America is now a very "young" 250-years-old !
#America ... you look pretty darn good at 250-years-young! Thank you to all whom have sacrificed to make this nation so great. #America250 Latest on our rain & storm chances-> www.wsaw.com/weather Have a very SAFE and happy 4th of July!
Warm and humid conditions remain over central #Wisconsin today as small chances for showers & thunderstorms return. Expect more rounds of showers & storms at times this weekend, as temps cool off a bit. Latest- https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/03/unsettled-end-week-start-fourth-july-holiday-weekend/
Happy TGIF ! Areas of fog will diminish this morning as warm & humid conditions remain over central #Wisconsin. Another chance for showers & storms arrive later today, latest- https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/03/unsettled-end-week-start-fourth-july-holiday-weekend/ Have a very safe Fourth of July!
I am afraid of heights... and while I'm not up there... I'm feeling queasy just thinking of these two people at the top of the #Empre State Building... YIKES! That's 1,454 feet to the top of the spire ! https://www.wsaw.com/2026/07/01/live-2-protesters-climb-top-empire-state-building/
Just a tad warm in central #Wisconsin on the first day of July. A few rounds of strong to severe ⛈️ are possible today, latest - www.wsaw.com or on our #WSAW #FirstAlert Weather App!
Extremely hot & humid weather continues into July as our First Alert Weather Days remain in effect throughout Thursday. Occasional severe storms are possible during this time latest- https://www.wsaw.com/2026/06/30/first-alert-weather-days-continue-tuesday-due-extreme-heat-strong-storm-potential/
First Alert Weather Day Update [2 pm Tuesday] Hot and humid conditions remain over central #Wisconsin as another round of thundestorms will develop and arrive later today. https://www.wsaw.com/2026/06/30/first-alert-weather-days-continue-tuesday-due-extreme-heat-strong-storm-potential/
80° at 7am …. It’s a #Florida like start to the day in central #Wisconsin … Strong ⛈️ are possible later today, latest - www.wsaw.com/weather and on our #WSAW #FirstAlert #Weather App.
First Alert Weather Days continue through Thursday due to dangerously hot and humid conditions over central #Wisconsin. Occasional strong to severe storms will be possible over the next several days and nights - https://www.wsaw.com/2026/06/29/first-alert-weather-days-remain-effect-start-july/
First Alert Weather Days continue throughout Thursday, due to dangerous heat & humidity, along with the risk for occasional strong storms. Please be very careful & check on the elderly & pets this week. https://www.wsaw.com/2026/06/29/first-alert-weather-days-remain-effect-start-july/
Isolated showers & thunderstorms 🌩️ are possible for the rest of the day with awesometastic weather arriving in time for the weekend! #WingsOverWausau #Chalkfest #BusyWeekend in #Wausau
[12:55 pm Wednesday - First Alert Weather Day Update] A severe weather watch will likely be issued for most of our area due to the increasing potential for strong storms across #Wisconsin. https://www.wsaw.com/2026/06/24/first-alert-weather-day-due-increased-hail-threat-wednesday-afternoon-storms/