La Crosse, Wis. – Strong storms and sweltering heat could disrupt holiday plans across western Wisconsin and parts of southeast Minnesota through Independence Day, with La Crosse County bracing for marginally severe weather through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop Wednesday and Thursday, with the strongest cells capable of producing quarter-sized hail and wind gusts over 50 mph. While the risk is categorized as “low end,” some storms could reach marginal severity, especially Thursday afternoon.
The threat spans multiple counties including Monroe, Vernon, Jackson, and Trempealeau in Wisconsin, as well as Winona and Houston in Minnesota. Travel may be impacted by brief heavy rainfall and reduced visibility in isolated storms.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s across the region, with dew points pushing heat indices toward advisory levels by July 4. Outdoor event planners are urged to provide shaded areas and water stations, and residents should monitor for additional alerts.
No spotter activation is required at this time, but forecasters caution that the pattern could shift. Thunderstorm chances continue into early Friday, with more organized rain possible into Saturday.
Five-Day Weather Snapshot – La Crosse, WI:
- Wednesday: High 87°F, 20% chance of storms after 5 p.m.
- Thursday: High 87°F, scattered storms likely after 1 p.m.
- Friday (July 4): Sunny, high near 90°F, heat index near 95°F
- Saturday: 60% chance of storms, high 87°F
- Sunday: 60% chance of storms, high 82°F
