Weather
La Crosse, Wisconsin Weather Outlook: Warmth Into November Oct. 26–Nov. 1
LA CROSSE, WI — Wisconsin could enter November with warmer than normal temperatures favored across the state, offering the possibility of a milder than usual end to October. In La Crosse and surroundi
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-19T08:57:37.439Z
LA CROSSE, WI — Wisconsin could enter November with warmer than normal temperatures favored across the state, offering the possibility of a milder than usual end to October. In La Crosse and surrounding western Wisconsin communities, the extended outlook follows a week of sunshine and afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 60s and lower 70s.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the eight to 14 day outlook issued Sunday, Oct. 18, favors above normal average temperatures across Wisconsin during Oct. 26–Nov. 1. The strongest warm temperature probabilities are concentrated across southern and central portions of the state, while northern Wisconsin shows a somewhat weaker signal.
Wisconsin's Warmth Signal Extends Into November Western Wisconsin, including La Crosse, Onalaska and communities along the Mississippi River, falls within an area showing approximately a 60%–70% probability of above normal temperatures.
The signal extends eastward toward Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox Valley, with much of southern Wisconsin experiencing similarly favorable temperature probabilities.
Farther north, including Wausau, Eau Claire and communities approaching Lake Superior, the outlook continues to favor above normal temperatures, although the probability shading becomes less pronounced toward the northern border.
This regional difference matters because Wisconsin normally experiences a substantial seasonal cooling trend during late October. Northern communities generally reach colder overnight temperatures sooner than southern and western portions of the state.
A warmer than normal outlook suggests that seasonal cooling could be less noticeable during the final days of October and the beginning of November.
However, the outlook does not establish exact daily temperatures or eliminate the possibility of freezing nights.
La Crosse Forecast Shows Highs Near 70 Before the extended outlook begins, the National Weather Service forecast for La Crosse indicates several days of mild fall weather.
Monday, Oct. 19, is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 66 degrees, followed by sunshine and a high around 67 Tuesday.
Wednesday could reach approximately 70 degrees, with Thursday climbing to around 71.
The forecast calls for a high near 68 Friday and approximately 69 Saturday before temperatures settle near 65 Sunday.
Overnight lows are expected mainly in the 40s and lower 50s, including around 44 Monday night and 50 Wednesday night.
At La Crosse Regional Airport, the supplied observation showed 50 degrees shortly before 3 a.m. Monday.
The National Weather Service also indicates a slight 20% chance of showers Saturday night, Oct. 24.
These specific daily forecasts apply to Oct. 19–25 and are separate from the Oct. 26–Nov. 1 outlook.
Rainfall Outlook Shows a Different Pattern While Wisconsin's temperature outlook favors warmth, NOAA's precipitation map places much of the state within an area favoring above normal precipitation.
Western Wisconsin, including La Crosse, generally falls within the lighter green shading, suggesting approximately a 33%–40% probability of above normal precipitation.
The wetter tendency extends across northern and central Wisconsin, although the map does not establish daily rainfall amounts or timing.
That means a warmer than normal start to November would not necessarily bring consistently dry weather.
As November approaches, Wisconsin residents should watch updated forecasts for more precise temperature trends and potential rainfall periods.
Would you welcome another stretch of mild fall weather across Wisconsin, or are you ready for November's colder temperatures?