Wisconsin – A pale winter sun pushes through thinning clouds along the Mississippi River this morning. The air feels crisp, and frost clings to parked cars and railings.
Temperatures sit near 21°F early in La Crosse, with wind chills hovering in the teens. Roads are mostly dry, but shaded stretches and bridges may hide slick spots. Drivers along Highway 35 and local riverfront routes should stay alert through the morning hours.
Clouds gradually break today, allowing highs to reach the mid-30s. Southeast winds add a mild edge by afternoon, helping soften snowbanks and icy sidewalks. To be fair, melting remains limited, but it sets the stage for refreezing later tonight.
Tonight turns partly cloudy, with lows near 25°F. Any moisture from daytime thawing freezes again, increasing the risk of slick pavement before Monday morning. Plan extra time if heading out early.
Monday continues the warming trend. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the low 40s. Snowpack shrinks noticeably, and runoff gathers near curbs and storm drains. Conditions feel calmer, though nights still dip below freezing.
Tuesday peaks the warmup. Mostly sunny skies push temperatures near 39°F, a welcome break from February cold. Meteorologists note this warm front as part of a broader Midwest thaw, even as the Great Lakes remain heavily frozen.
By Wednesday, cooler air settles back in, with highs near 38°F. Clouds increase Wednesday night, and a slight chance of snow develops after midnight. That chance grows Thursday, with a 40 percent risk of snow during the day. Accumulations appear light for now, but timing could affect travel.
Looking ahead to the 6–10 day window, above-normal temperatures remain favored. Despite winter’s grip on lakes and rivers, signs point toward a slow transition toward late-winter moderation.
For now, expect a cold start, milder afternoons, and refreezing after dark. Are sidewalks slick where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook – La Crosse, WI
• Today: Decreasing clouds, high 34°F
• Monday: Partly sunny, high 42°F
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 39°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 38°F
• Thursday: Chance of snow, high 39°F
