Wisconsin — Crisp air cuts across the Mississippi River Valley as frost clings to cars and sidewalks. La Crosse starts the day under clear skies, but the cold is unmistakable.
Temperatures hover near 12 degrees early, with wind chills near 1 above zero. Calm winds help, yet exposed skin still stings quickly. Roads remain dry for now, but the cold keeps pavement primed for fast icing if moisture appears.
Sunshine dominates through the day. Highs climb into the low 20s, offering little relief. Shaded streets, river bridges, and untreated sidewalks stay slick, especially during the morning commute. Drivers should stay alert near Highway 53 and local river crossings.
Tonight turns colder again. Lows drop to the single digits, allowing any melted snow to refreeze. Flash freezing remains a concern where daytime sun briefly softens surfaces.
Wednesday stays quiet and cold. Mostly sunny skies push highs into the low 20s. Conditions feel calmer, though winter remains firmly in control. Wednesday night stays chilly, setting up a noticeable shift by Thursday.
By Thursday, temperatures jump into the mid-30s under partly sunny skies. Snowmelt increases during the afternoon, and winds pick up slightly. Travel improves overall, but melting water may pool on roads. Once temperatures fall again Thursday night, refreezing becomes possible.
Friday continues the milder trend. Sunshine returns, and highs reach the upper 30s. It feels almost springlike compared to earlier this week. Still, melting by day and freezing by night keeps icy patches in play.
Looking toward the Feb. 6–8 weekend, conditions remain seasonable. Highs range from the upper 20s to low 30s with dry weather favored. Winter hazards linger, though no major storms are signaled yet.
Beyond the weekend, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook shows above-normal temperatures spreading into the Upper Midwest late next week. A broader thaw may be on the horizon.
Bundle up this morning and watch for refreezing later. How cold did it feel when you stepped outside today?
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 21
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 23
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 36
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 37
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 29
