La Crosse, Wisconsin – The new year is arriving with a familiar winter feel across western Wisconsin, as a fast-moving round of light snow brings minor accumulations and slick travel conditions through New Year’s Day. While impacts are expected to remain limited, drivers should stay alert during the morning and early afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, light snow is moving into the region this morning and will continue through mid-afternoon before exiting to the east. Accumulations are expected to stay under one-half inch, with the highest totals most likely north of a line from Rochester, Minnesota, to Richland Center, Wisconsin. Even small amounts could make lesser-traveled roads slippery for a time.
La Crosse, Winona, Sparta, and Viroqua are expected to see light snowfall with minimal accumulation on main roads, though untreated surfaces and bridges may become slick during the coldest part of the day. Visibility reductions are possible during brief bursts of snow, especially during the morning commute and midday travel.
Temperatures remain cold today, keeping snow from melting quickly. Conditions turn colder again Friday, though skies are expected to clear enough to allow for some sunshine. Despite the cold, no additional snow is expected after today’s system exits.
The quiet pattern continues into the weekend as a slow warm-up begins. Afternoon temperatures gradually climb closer to seasonal norms Saturday and Sunday, with dry weather expected across much of western Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down on snow-covered roads, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution on rural routes this morning. With only minor accumulations expected, widespread disruptions are unlikely.
This light snow marks the main weather concern for New Year’s Day. Conditions improve by late afternoon, and no additional advisories are anticipated at this time. A calmer and slightly milder stretch of weather is expected as the region heads into the first weekend of 2026.
