Wisconsin starts the day under low clouds, damp pavement, and a thin glaze that drivers may not see at first glance.
Across western Wisconsin, a Weather Alert remains in focus this morning as a wintry mix of snow and light freezing drizzle brushes La Crosse. Temperatures sit near 31 degrees, hovering just cold enough for slick spots to develop. Light snowflakes drift across the Mississippi River Valley, while mist reduces contrast on roads.
Early travel carries the highest risk. Snow and drizzle move through before sunrise, creating patchy icing on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps. Routes such as U.S. 14, Highway 16, and Highway 53 may look wet but hide thin ice. Braking distances increase quickly, especially near river crossings.
By midmorning, precipitation fades. Skies slowly brighten, and gusty northwest winds usher in drier air. Highs reach the lower 30s, helping main roads improve. Side streets and shaded areas may stay slick longer.
Tonight turns sharply colder. Skies clear, winds ease, and temperatures drop near 5 degrees. Any melted moisture refreezes, setting up another round of flash freezing by Saturday morning.
Saturday stays quiet but cold. Clouds increase through the day with highs near 24 degrees. Travel improves overall, though cold pavement remains unforgiving. Saturday night stays mostly cloudy with lows around 19 degrees.
Sunday brings a noticeable change. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the mid-30s. That warming trend strengthens early next week. Monday pushes into the mid-40s, with additional mild days likely into midweek. Meteorologists note a broader thaw developing across the Upper Midwest.
For now, slow down this morning and stay alert on bridges. Conditions can change within a mile.
Seeing icy patches where you are? Share what roads look like in your part of La Crosse.
Five-Day Outlook – La Crosse, WI
- Today: Wintry mix early, improving later. High 33°F
- Saturday: Increasing clouds, cold. High 24°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High 35°F
- Monday: Partly sunny and milder. High 44°F
- Tuesday: Chance of rain late. High 42°F
