La Crosse, Wisconsin – Smoke continues to blur the skyline across the Mississippi River Valley late Monday morning, while a hotter and increasingly unstable atmosphere is setting the stage for another round of thunderstorms later today. Drivers may notice hazy conditions along Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 53, and other area roads before storms arrive this afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, wildfire smoke remains over western Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota, reducing visibility in spots through the morning. Temperatures are expected to climb to 89 degrees, with heat index values reaching 97 degrees by afternoon. Southwest winds of 6 to 11 mph will occasionally gust above 20 mph ahead of an approaching cold front.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues an Air Quality Advisory through Monday, warning that PM2.5 pollution from Canadian wildfire smoke may reach Unhealthy (Red) levels, with isolated areas approaching Very Unhealthy (Purple). Children, older adults, people with asthma or heart disease, and anyone spending extended time outdoors should limit strenuous activity and move indoors if smoke becomes bothersome.
Meteorologists are also tracking a growing severe weather threat later today. The National Weather Service says thunderstorms are expected to redevelop during the afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary concern, but large hail, torrential rainfall, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Keep an eye on changing skies and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
Conditions improve noticeably by Wednesday, with sunshine, lower humidity, and highs returning to the upper 70s. Looking farther ahead, longer-range outlooks suggest temperatures may trend above average again later next week as midsummer warmth rebuilds across the Upper Midwest.
Five-Day Forecast for La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Monday: High 89°F. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Heat index near 97°F. Smoke early.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High 81°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 77°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 82°F.
- Friday: Sunny. High 83°F.
