La Crosse, Wisconsin — Bitterly cold air will move into western Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota tonight, bringing dangerous wind chills as the region rings in the New Year.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, wind chills will fall to between −5°F and −10°F by midnight on New Year’s Eve, with colder pockets reaching −15°F to −20°F overnight into New Year’s Day. The cold will linger through Thursday, especially during the morning hours.
Cities including La Crosse, Onalaska, Sparta, Black River Falls, Prairie du Chien, Winona, and Rochester are expected to experience the harshest conditions overnight. Even brief exposure could lead to frostbite, particularly on exposed skin.
Roadways such as I-90, US-14, US-61, WI-35, and MN-16 will not be impacted by precipitation, but the extreme cold may pose risks for motorists in the event of breakdowns or prolonged outdoor exposure. Drivers are urged to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and limit time outdoors.
Wind chills are forecast to gradually improve Thursday afternoon but will remain below zero in many areas. Overnight lows into New Year’s Day will fall into the single digits and teens below zero, with light winds still enough to create dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service advises residents celebrating New Year’s Eve outdoors to dress in layers, cover all exposed skin, limit time outside, and bring pets indoors. Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions.
