La Crosse, WI – A brittle chill hangs over the Mississippi River Valley this morning — just 3°F under a gray, frozen sky. The air feels still for now, but changes are on the horizon as a new winter system targets western Wisconsin by Tuesday night.
The National Weather Service in La Crosse reports that temperatures will rebound into the mid-30s Tuesday, allowing for a rain-and-snow mix to develop by late afternoon. As the cold front deepens into the region, that rain is expected to change to all snow Tuesday night, with gusty northwest winds up to 30 mph adding to travel difficulties.
While accumulations appear light — up to 2 inches possible — the timing could cause slick travel for the Wednesday morning commute, especially on I-90, U.S. 61, and county highways near the bluffs. Commuters should prepare for reduced visibility and icy patches, particularly in shaded or untreated areas.
By Wednesday, highs hover near 30°F before another sharp temperature drop arrives late in the week. Highs Friday may only reach the lower teens, and wind chills could dip below zero through Saturday, marking one of the coldest stretches so far this December.
5-Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI:
- Tuesday: Cloudy, rain/snow mix late, high 37°F, low 24°F.
- Wednesday: Snow likely early, high 30°F, low 5°F.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 19°F, low 3°F.
- Friday: Breezy and cold, high 12°F, low –6°F.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high 14°F.
