Wisconsin – Mild air and quiet skies are giving La Crosse a brief break, but a sharp swing is already underway that could turn wet roads icy by midweek. The pavement is dry now, yet conditions will shift quickly over the next 48 hours.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse , temperatures climb into the mid-70s today with increasing clouds and a slight chance of thunderstorms developing later in the day. Winds stay light early, then turn more active into the afternoon.
Storm chances increase Tuesday, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing by midday and continuing into the evening. Some downpours may briefly reduce visibility along I-90 and Highway 53. Plan extra time if traveling and watch for sudden changes.
By Wednesday, colder air begins to move in. Rain develops and starts mixing with snow by late day. Then conditions deteriorate further Wednesday night into Thursday morning as freezing rain and sleet enter the mix. Even light icing can create hazardous bridges and overpasses, especially during early travel hours.
This setup raises concern for “flash freezing,” where wet roads rapidly ice over as temperatures fall near 30°F. Surfaces that look wet may actually be slick. Slow down and increase following distance.
Temperatures drop sharply from the 70s today to near 40°F Wednesday, then hover in the upper 30s Thursday. The colder pattern lingers into late week with scattered rain or snow showers.
Looking ahead, gradual warming returns by the first weekend of April, offering a more typical spring feel after this midweek disruption.
Five Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI:
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 76°F
- Tuesday: Chance of storms, high near 59°F
- Wednesday: Rain/snow mix, high near 43°F
- Thursday: Wintry mix, high near 40°F
- Friday: Chance of rain/snow, high near 44°F
