Wisconsin starts the day wrapped in a sharp, Arctic chill as fog clings to river valleys and the cold presses against windows with a glassy bite. The air feels brittle and still, hinting at a dangerous plunge underway across La Crosse. Anyone stepping out early will feel the sting instantly, especially with wind chills pushing deep into the 15 to 35 degrees below zero range.
This Cold Weather Advisory remains active through Sunday morning, and meteorologists warn that frostbite can form on exposed skin in 10 minutes during the harshest gusts. Drivers along I-90 and U.S. 53 should prepare for icy patches, especially as light snow earlier today glazed untreated pavement. Plan extra time for errands, school activities, or mid-day travel as temperatures stay locked in the single digits.
Winds increase later today and again Saturday, pushing chills into the teens below zero by afternoon before dropping back into the 20s and low 30s below zero Saturday night. To be fair, skies may clear periodically, but no warming relief arrives. This is a classic early-December Cold Snap, and conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset when temperatures slide faster than expected.
Sunday brings bright sun but no real warmth; cold air maintains its grip over the Coulee Region. Families heading to youth sports, early holiday shopping, or church events should dress in layers, protect hands and faces, and watch for black ice on shaded sidewalks and driveways.
Models hint at a slow moderation next week, but another Winter Tease midweek could bring light snow chances back to the region.
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI
- Saturday: Bitter and breezy, high 3°F; wind chills to -15°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 5°F; dangerously cold early.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 26°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high around 36°F.
- Wednesday: Snow chance late, high near 40°F.
