Alright, Madison, if you're looking for an "easy" outdoor workout today, February 26th, you might want to adjust your expectations. It's not terrible, but it's not exactly a walk in the park either. More like a tricky walk in a cold, construction-ridden, potentially icy park.
- That "clear" sky might look inviting early on, but temperatures are still firmly in "dress like an onion" territory, warming slowly. More importantly, that recent light snow and drizzle, particularly west and northwest of town, has left behind plenty of slippery surprises.
- AQI is hovering in the moderate zone at 71 due to ozone. Your lungs won't scream, but they definitely won't be singing either if you push the pace too hard.
- Construction season never truly ends around here. Some key running and biking arteries are impacted, demanding detours and extra vigilance, especially around the university.
The Chilly Truth About Today's Run
Let's be brutally honest: just because the sun might peek through later doesn't mean it's suddenly spring. The temperature right now is a brisk 20.5°F (-6.4°C), and while it's forecast to climb to the low 40s (7°C) later, you'll be starting in real cold. My physical therapist brain is already seeing the classic late-winter injuries from people thinking "it's almost warm." It's not. It's still winter, and it's deceptive.
Ice, Ice, Baby... and Not the Good Kind
The biggest immediate concern is the lingering precipitation. The National Weather Service warned of accumulating snowfall this morning, especially west and northwest of Madison, with snow-covered roads likely. Even if you're east of the city and only got drizzle, that stuff freezes solid when temps are this low. Assume any shaded spot, any bridge, any untouched patch of sidewalk is a potential ice rink. Your ankles will thank you for paying attention.
Breathe Easy-ish
The Air Quality Index is sitting at 71 with ozone as the dominant pollutant. That's "Moderate," which means it's generally okay, but if you're asthmatic or have other respiratory issues, you might feel it. It's not a reason to stay indoors, but it's a reason not to go for your fastest tempo run ever. Take it down a notch.
Construction: The Fifth Season of Madison
The perennial joy of Madison. Construction is still a significant factor. A particularly annoying closure for those of us who log miles on two wheels (or two feet) is a portion of the Capital City State Trail in Fitchburg. It's shut down until March for boardwalk construction near Nevin Springs, forcing a detour. Seriously, Promega, can we get this boardwalk done already?
Beyond that, the UW-Madison campus remains a chaotic symphony of detours. If you regularly use the Lakeshore Path south of the Limnology building, near Memorial Union, remember it's still under reconstruction, making the north side detour a shared route with both bikes and pedestrians. Expect similar disruptions around Highland Avenue and parts of Johnson and N. Brooks streets. Just assume nothing is open until you've checked.
Those "clear" skies are hiding dangerously slick spots. Black ice is a real threat, especially on shaded paths and bridges where earlier snowfall or drizzle has frozen solid. Think like a deer: pick your footing carefully or you'll be picking yourself off the pavement.
Give yourself extra time for your route. Construction continues to be a headache. The Capital City State Trail has sections closed until March for boardwalk work, and the UW-Madison campus is a minefield of detours for both pedestrians and cyclists, especially on the Lakeshore Path. Check local university transportation updates if you're heading that way.
Layer up, buttercup. With temps hovering near freezing and dropping, exposed skin is asking for trouble. Mittens, a hat, and moisture-wicking layers are your best friends. And maybe some Yaktrax if you're hitting anything remotely unpaved or unsure of the ice situation.
Data grounded with National Weather Service, UW-Madison Transportation Services, and Wisconsin DNR from recent reports in February 2026.