LA CROSSE, Wis. – A pale moon and brisk breeze greet the region this morning as temperatures hold in the low 40s — a hint of the steady roller-coaster pattern Wisconsin will ride into the weekend. The crisp air will soften Thursday as warmer winds arrive, setting up a few pleasant, late-fall days before another cool push drops temperatures next week.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Thursday’s highs will reach the mid-50s under clear skies, while Friday could climb near 61°F. Those two days will offer ideal windows for outdoor work, travel, or early holiday decorating before temperatures dip again by Sunday. Light south winds will gradually turn northwest this weekend, signaling the next transition toward colder air.
Saturday stays mild, topping out near 62°F, but clouds will thicken late, and a slight chance of showers could develop near the Mississippi River Valley. By Sunday, highs fall back into the mid-40s, with breezy northwest gusts hinting at the colder pattern ahead. Long-range models suggest a “winter tease” early next week — light rain or snow showers could brush higher terrain north of I-90 as lows fall into the 20s.
Residents are encouraged to plan travel and outdoor chores Thursday or Friday and to prep for early frost potential by Monday morning. While no advisories are in effect, the shift from mild afternoons to freezing nights could surprise unprotected pipes, plants, and vehicles.
And though the Northern Lights from Tuesday’s G4 solar storm have faded from Wisconsin skies, slight communication or GPS disruptions remain possible today — a fitting companion to the week’s atmospheric turbulence as the state eases toward winter’s doorstep.
Five-Day Forecast for La Crosse, WI:
Thu: 55/33 – Mostly sunny, light south wind.
Fri: 61/47 – Sunny, warm; south breeze.
Sat: 62/32 – Partly sunny; 20% chance of light rain late.
Sun: 48/28 – Breezy and cooler; clouds clearing.
Mon: 44/27 – Mostly cloudy; 30% chance of light rain or flurries north.
