The air over western Wisconsin feels heavy and still this morning, fog hanging low as the first flakes begin to swirl near La Crosse. What starts as a wintry mix will quickly transition into snow and blustery winds through midweek — a clear sign winter’s grip is tightening on the Upper Midwest.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in La Crosse warn that rain and freezing rain will mix with snow, leading to slippery bridges and untreated roads Tuesday evening into early Wednesday. While new snow accumulation looks modest — generally under an inch in the city and slightly higher north of I-90 — the temperature drop will be the bigger story.
By Wednesday afternoon, highs fall into the 20s with gusty northwest winds creating blowing snow and wind chills near zero. Thursday stays cold and partly cloudy before another system late Thursday night brings a renewed chance for light snow.
By the weekend, the region will see its first real Arctic plunge of December. Morning lows near -5°F and highs barely cracking the upper teens will dominate through Sunday. Travel conditions may improve, but the bitter air will make any outdoor activity a challenge.
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI
- Wednesday: Chance of snow showers, high 26°F, low 6°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, slight snow chance, high 20°F, low 7°F.
- Friday: Cloudy with snow chances, high 18°F, low -7°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 19°F, low -5°F.
- Sunday: Sunny and frigid, high 18°F, low 4°F.
