Wisconsin greets the morning with a gray sky and a sharp bite in the air along the Mississippi River. Light flakes drift at times, and the cold settles in early. Conditions look quiet, but winter hazards are building beneath the surface.
In La Crosse, temperatures hover near 11 degrees, with wind chills dipping close to 20 degrees below zero. A slight chance of snow and flurries lingers through the morning, especially before midmorning. Even light snow can coat roads quickly when pavement temperatures stay this cold.
Drivers should expect slick spots on bridges, hills, and untreated side streets. Gusty northwest winds continue to move loose snow, reducing visibility at times. Slow down, especially on Highway 14, Highway 16, and rural stretches outside the city.
As skies brighten later today, the cold refuses to budge. Afternoon highs reach only around 10 degrees. Any brief melting during midday will refreeze quickly this evening, increasing the risk of flash freezing. This is a common setup for sudden travel trouble after sunset.
Tonight turns mostly clear and colder. Temperatures drop near 3 below zero, with wind chills falling well into the teens below zero. Exposed skin can become vulnerable quickly. Limit time outside and dress in layers if heading out.
Wednesday brings sunshine and calmer winds, but it stays cold. Highs reach near 10. Thursday improves slightly, with sunshine and highs near 9, followed by a modest rebound Friday into the low teens. Snow chances remain low through the end of the workweek.
Looking ahead, longer-range outlooks suggest below-normal precipitation across Wisconsin into early February, while cold air remains anchored across the Upper Midwest. A slow warming trend may begin next week.
Plan extra travel time, watch for icy patches, and prepare for bitter cold. How cold did it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, Wisconsin
• Today: Flurries early, high near 10
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 10
• Thursday: Sunny, high near 9
• Friday: Sunny, high near 11
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 20
