Weather
Western Wisconsin Weather Alert: 22° Cold Snap Nov. 12-16
Wisconsin — A brisk November wind, scattered flurries and falling temperatures are bringing a winter reminder to western Wisconsin. La Crosse could plunge to 22 degrees Friday night before a sunny but
By Lena Wood · 2026-11-12T10:36:41.773Z
Wisconsin — A brisk November wind, scattered flurries and falling temperatures are bringing a winter reminder to western Wisconsin. La Crosse could plunge to 22 degrees Friday night before a sunny but chilly weekend arrives across the Mississippi River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Thursday brings a chance of flurries before 3 p.m., followed by possible sprinkles between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Temperatures should reach approximately 43 degrees, while north winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
The more significant change arrives Friday night, when temperatures fall well below freezing.
Friday Night Temperatures Could Reach 22 Degrees Thursday evening brings mostly cloudy skies and temperatures falling near 26 degrees.
Friday, November 13, offers mostly sunny skies and a high around 41 degrees.
However, clear skies Friday night could allow temperatures to plunge to 22 degrees.
That represents a 21 degree difference between Friday's daytime high and nighttime low.
For residents across La Crosse County and neighboring western Wisconsin communities, the colder conditions could affect early weekend activities.
Drivers using Interstate 90, Highway 53 and surrounding Mississippi River crossings should remain alert for isolated slick spots where moisture freezes.
The forecast does not indicate widespread icing, but untreated surfaces could become slippery if moisture remains.
Saturday Brings Sunshine, but Freezing Nights Continue Saturday, November 14, looks bright and relatively calm.
Sunny skies should help temperatures reach approximately 44 degrees, with calm winds.
However, temperatures fall near 25 degrees Saturday night.
Residents planning outdoor activities should prepare for a cold start, particularly in exposed areas along the Mississippi River and surrounding valleys.
The dry conditions also provide an opportunity to finish leaf cleanup, secure outdoor decorations and prepare vehicles for colder weather.
Sunday and Monday Bring a Gradual Warmup Sunday, November 15, continues the improving trend.
Sunny skies should help temperatures reach approximately 47 degrees before falling near 27 degrees Sunday night.
Monday brings another sunny day, with a high near 50 degrees.
That represents a 28 degree recovery from Friday night's expected low.
However, temperatures could still fall near 30 degrees Monday night, keeping freezing conditions in the picture.
What About Snow Before Thanksgiving? The NOAA Weather Prediction Center reports that polar air is spreading across the eastern United States, bringing colder conditions to a broad region.
Lake effect snow is expected around portions of the Great Lakes, particularly Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
For La Crosse, Thursday's flurries remain the only wintry precipitation signal in the supplied local outlook through Wednesday.
No accumulating snowfall is currently indicated for the city.
Residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts as Thanksgiving approaches, especially as November weather patterns evolve.