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Can you swim here today?

Milwaukee River Greenway

Shorewood, Wisconsin · Park

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today

Cold water

As of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Milwaukee River Greenway is 54°F (12°C), measured by USGS gauge 04087000, 0.6 miles away.

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 54°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.

  • Water temperature is 54°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. — USGS gauge 04087000, as of Oct 20, 1:00 AM gauge-local time
  • Flow is above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 214 ft³/s over 112 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 1:00 AM gauge-local time
Water temp
54°F
12°C
Streamflow
553 ft³/s
discharge
Gage height
1.20 ft
water level

Flow is high for this date — above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 214 ft³/s over 112 years).

No official beach-advisory feed for Wisconsin yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge MILWAUKEE RIVER AT MILWAUKEE, WI (0.6 mi away), as of Oct 20, 1:00 AM gauge-local time.

Before you get in

  • Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
  • Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
  • Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
  • Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
  • Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.

Read next

Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.