Weather tracker: US braces for sharp swing in temperatures

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Subzero temperatures are likely to follow a warm spell in parts of the state this week. Photograph: The Washington Post/Getty Images

A sharp swing in temperatures has been forecast across northern and central parts of the US this week, with potentially record-breaking warm weather giving way to a cold front.

Wisconsin is likely to challenge its all-time February high on Tuesday with a forecast of 17C (63F) – 0.5C above the record set at Stevens Point in 2000. The warm spell is likely to be short lived, however. On Tuesday evening a broad area of low pressure will bring heavy rain before a surge of cold air turns rain into snow as the temperature dips to zero.