La Crosse, WI – An exceptionally bitter stretch of cold weather is set to settle across western and central Wisconsin this weekend, with the National Weather Service warning of wind chills ranging from -15° to -35° tonight through Saturday night. The dangerous wind chills will create conditions where frostbite may occur in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin.
Forecast maps from NWS La Crosse show widespread subzero wind chills Friday night, with the coldest readings expected across northern Wisconsin. Locations including Rochester, Eau Claire, Black River Falls, Richland Center, and Sparta are all at risk for extremely low wind chills by early Saturday. The bitter conditions persist into Saturday night as another push of Arctic air arrives.
Despite some sunshine Saturday, temperatures will only creep above zero in a few locations, while others may remain below zero entirely. Northwest winds will continue to funnel in fresh Arctic air, reinforcing dangerously cold conditions through the weekend.
The NWS urges residents to take precautions, including wearing layers, covering all exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors. Pet owners should ensure animals are brought indoors, and households should take steps to protect pipes from freezing. Vulnerable populations—including the elderly and those without reliable heating—may face heightened risk during this cold snap.
Temperatures are expected to moderate slightly early next week, but dangerous wind chills will remain the headline concern through Sunday morning.
