Wisconsin wakes to crisp air and quiet streets this morning as temperatures hover near 24 degrees across the La Crosse region.
Skies stay mostly cloudy today, but subtle changes matter. Patchy drizzle may develop this afternoon and evening, and with surfaces still cold, slick spots are possible. Roads can appear damp while thin ice forms underneath, especially on bridges and shaded areas near the Mississippi River.
Christmas Day looks calmer. Clouds linger, but highs climb into the mid-30s, helping reduce ice concerns during daytime travel. Morning drivers should still watch for lingering slick patches, especially outside the city.
Attention then turns to late Thursday into Friday. Rain becomes likely Thursday night, with temperatures hovering close to freezing early. While significant ice is not expected, wet pavement combined with falling temperatures Friday night raises flash-freeze concerns. Drivers heading home from holiday gatherings should stay alert after sunset.
Saturday offers a brief travel break. Skies remain mostly cloudy, highs reach the mid-40s, and road conditions improve. For many, this becomes the best window for post-Christmas travel.
By Sunday, winter reasserts itself. Colder air filters in, and snow showers become possible before noon, followed by gusty northwest winds. While accumulations look light, even brief snow can reduce visibility and create slick stretches on Highways 14, 16, and 61.
Looking ahead, colder air tightens its grip early next week. Overnight lows plunge into the single digits, locking in any leftover moisture.
Meteorologists emphasize timing over totals this week. Small changes in temperature will decide whether roads stay wet or turn icy.
Slow down when drizzle appears. Plan extra time for weekend travel. Winter is settling in.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — La Crosse, WI
- Today: Mostly cloudy, patchy drizzle. High 38°F
- Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy. High 36°F
- Friday: Mostly cloudy. High 42°F
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy. High 45°F
- Sunday: Snow chance before noon, windy. High 26°F
