Wisconsin weather changes fast along the Mississippi River today. Gray skies hang low, winds pick up, and damp pavement hints at a sharp winter turn for La Crosse and western Wisconsin.
According to the National Weather Service, a potent winter system slides through today, bringing rain that transitions to snow, followed by a rapid temperature drop tonight. Winds strengthen through the afternoon, with gusts nearing 30 mph, especially in exposed areas and along river crossings.
Rain develops early, then mixes with snow later today, especially as colder air pushes in this evening. Snow amounts remain light locally, but timing matters. As temperatures fall into the teens overnight, wet roads may refreeze, creating a black ice threat before sunrise.
Travel impacts could develop quickly on Highway 14, Highway 16, and Highway 53, along with bridges over the Mississippi River. Gusty winds may also reduce visibility during snow bursts, especially in open rural stretches. Drivers should slow down early and plan for changing road conditions.
Thursday brings the coldest punch. Skies turn mostly cloudy with lingering flurries possible, while wind chills drop below zero at times. By Friday, sunshine returns, but the air stays sharp. Highs struggle into the mid-20s, keeping untreated surfaces slick.
Looking ahead to the Christmas travel weekend, conditions improve but remain wintry. Saturday turns partly sunny with highs near 31 degrees. Sunday stays mostly sunny but colder, with highs near 19 degrees and overnight lows near zero. While no major storm is locked in locally, meteorologists note models hint at more snow chances heading into late December.
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse
- Today: Rain changing to snow, windy, high near 36
- Thursday: Snow ending, windy and cold, low near 4
- Friday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 24
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 31
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 19
