Weather
Wisconsin-Minnesota Weather Alert: La Crosse Rain Nov. 20-21
WISCONSIN — Frosty windshields, freezing November air and a developing rain threat are shaping a changing weather pattern across the Mississippi River Valley.
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-11-15T11:29:25.784Z
WISCONSIN — Frosty windshields, freezing November air and a developing rain threat are shaping a changing weather pattern across the Mississippi River Valley.
La Crosse residents could experience a 33 degree temperature difference between Sunday's early morning reading and Saturday's projected high.
According to the National Weather Service, La Crosse Regional Airport recorded 26 degrees early Sunday, November 15.
The latest outlook shows temperatures climbing toward the upper 50s before rain chances increase significantly heading into the weekend.
The changing conditions could affect travel across western Wisconsin and neighboring southeastern Minnesota.
Freezing Start Gives Way to a Warmer Afternoon Sunday begins with a sharp November chill across La Crosse County and nearby Mississippi River communities.
Temperatures were below freezing early in the morning, with wind chills near 20 degrees at the airport.
However, mostly sunny skies should push afternoon temperatures toward 50 degrees.
Calm winds will provide some relief from the colder morning conditions.
Temperatures fall toward 28 degrees Sunday night, bringing another opportunity for frost.
Drivers using Interstate 90 and nearby Mississippi River crossings should remain alert for isolated slick surfaces where lingering moisture freezes.
No widespread ice accumulation or snowfall is indicated in the supplied local outlook.
Monday and Tuesday Bring a Noticeable Warmup Monday brings increasing clouds and temperatures reaching approximately 53 degrees.
South winds strengthen to 5 9 mph, with occasional gusts approaching 22 mph.
Monday night remains milder, with temperatures near 36 degrees.
Tuesday brings sunshine and highs around 57 degrees.
South winds of 5 11 mph could again gust to 22 mph.
For residents planning outdoor activities, the afternoon temperatures should feel considerably more comfortable than the freezing start.
Wednesday Brings Gusty Winds Before Rain Chances Increase Wednesday marks another important transition as temperatures approach 58 degrees.
South winds increase to 8 14 mph, with gusts reaching 26 mph.
Residents traveling along exposed highways and open stretches near the Mississippi River may notice the stronger breeze.
Wednesday night brings increasing clouds and a 20% chance of rain, with temperatures around 47 degrees.
By Thursday, another 20% rain chance remains before noon.
Mostly sunny conditions should develop later, with highs near 58 degrees.
Five Day La Crosse Weather Outlook: Nov. 15 19 Sunday, Nov. 15: Mostly sunny, high 50°F. Calm winds. Mostly clear Sunday night, low 28°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Increasing clouds, high 53°F. South winds 5 9 mph, gusting to 22 mph. Mostly clear Monday night, low 36°F. Tuesday, Nov. 17: Sunny, high 57°F. South winds 5 11 mph, gusting to 22 mph. Partly cloudy Tuesday night, low 40°F. Wednesday, Nov. 18: Mostly sunny, high 58°F. South winds 8 14 mph, gusting to 26 mph. A 20% chance of rain Wednesday night, low 47°F. Thursday, Nov. 19: A 20% chance of rain before noon, then mostly sunny. High 58°F. Partly cloudy Thursday night, low 38°F. Looking Ahead: Nov. 20 21 Friday brings partly sunny skies and temperatures near 58 degrees, with a 30% chance of afternoon rain.
Rain becomes considerably more likely Friday night, with precipitation chances increasing to 80%.
Saturday brings additional rain, with another 80% precipitation probability and highs near 59 degrees.
Drivers traveling Interstate 90, Highway 53 and the Mississippi River bridges should prepare for potentially wet pavement and reduced visibility during heavier rainfall.
The supplied outlook does not indicate a local snowstorm or tornado threat.
For now, residents can expect warmer afternoons before a wetter pattern develops toward the weekend.
Are you enjoying the November warmup, or are you preparing for the weekend rain? Tell us what conditions you're seeing in La Crosse, Onalaska or across the river in Minnesota!