Wisconsin wakes to damp air and muted gray skies as winter tightens its grip along the Mississippi River Valley. Pavement looks wet, but slick patches may hide in plain sight.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, temperatures hover near 30 degrees early Monday. Light rain before dawn may briefly freeze, creating icy spots on untreated roads. Patchy fog also reduces visibility, especially near river crossings and low-lying areas.
Through the morning, conditions improve slowly. Highs reach the upper 30s, helping melt thin ice. Still, bridges and shaded roads may remain slick longer than expected. Extra caution is urged along Highway 14, Highway 16, and city side streets as schools and offices reopen after the holiday break.
Tonight brings another round of concern. Clouds linger, and lows dip into the mid-20s. Any leftover moisture refreezes quickly, raising the risk for black ice during early Tuesday travel.
Tuesday stays mostly cloudy and cool, with highs near 39. A slight rain chance fades early, but damp pavement persists. Winds remain light, limiting drying through the day. Tuesday night turns colder, dropping into the mid-20s again.
Wednesday offers a brief winter break. Sunshine returns with highs near 42, helping roads dry during daylight hours. After sunset, temperatures fall toward freezing, keeping refreeze potential in play.
Attention turns to late week. Thursday stays partly sunny near 41, but rain chances increase after dark. By Friday, a rain-and-snow mix becomes possible with highs in the mid-30s. Even light snow could impact travel as colder air settles back in.
Winter weather remains active across western Wisconsin. Conditions may change quickly, especially early mornings and after sunset.
Seeing slick roads or fog where you live? Let us know what conditions look like in your area.
Five-Day Weather Outlook: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Monday: Mostly cloudy. High 37.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High 39.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High 42.
Thursday: Partly sunny, rain late. High 41.
Friday: Chance of rain and snow. High 36.
