LA CROSSE, Wis. — The air carries that unmistakable October edge this morning — cool, brisk, and heavy with the scent of wet leaves along the bluffs. After a gray and breezy start to the week, western Wisconsin is on track for its first widespread frost of the season, with clear, cold mornings expected by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a weak system will bring a few passing showers Tuesday, mainly north of the city. Winds from the west will gust up to 25 mph, keeping highs in the upper 40s to near 50°F. By Tuesday night, the clouds thin, and temperatures fall quickly — a sign that colder air is settling in from the Upper Midwest.
Wednesday night into Thursday morning looks to deliver the season’s first frost, particularly in valleys and rural stretches along the Mississippi. Lows will dip to near 33°F, and some pockets could briefly touch the freezing mark. Gardeners should take steps to cover outdoor plants or move potted flowers indoors by Wednesday evening.
Thursday and Friday bring a classic fall setup — frosty dawns followed by crisp, bright afternoons with highs in the low to mid-50s. By Saturday, slightly milder air returns, but clear skies and calm nights will keep frost a possibility through the weekend.
For now, it’s a shift from wet to wintry hints — Wisconsin’s fall chill is deepening, and the first freeze may not be far behind.
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI:
Tue: 47/39 – Breezy; scattered showers.
Wed: 49/33 – Cloudy; cool.
Thu: 52/30 – Frost early; sunny and calm.
Fri: 56/37 – Frost early; mostly sunny.
Sat: 59/43 – Partly sunny; mild afternoon.
