Wisconsin wakes to a steel-gray sky along the Mississippi River, where cold air presses low and the wind slips easily through layers. Exhaust hangs in place, and pavement feels brittle underfoot.
Western Wisconsin remains locked in a Winter Weather Alert this morning. According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, temperatures sit in the single digits with wind chills dropping below zero. The cold is steady rather than extreme, but it carries enough bite to make extended outdoor exposure uncomfortable.
In La Crosse, temperatures near 7 degrees combine with light north winds to push wind chills toward minus 5. Roads remain mostly dry for now, but shaded stretches, bridges, and ramps may hide slick spots. Drivers along U.S. 14, U.S. 61, and city streets should stay cautious during early travel hours.
Attention turns to snow chances building into Sunday. The National Weather Service reports snow becoming likely Sunday, with precipitation chances around 60 percent. Accumulations are expected to remain light, generally up to two inches, but timing matters. Snow may fall steadily through the day, reducing visibility and creating slippery conditions on untreated roads.
Sunday night brings another round of light snow chances before conditions quiet down. Temperatures fall back into the teens, allowing snow-covered surfaces to compact and freeze. Plan extra time for evening travel and watch for slick sidewalks near the riverfront.
Monday offers a brief break. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the mid-20s. Melting may occur during daylight hours, setting up another round of flash freezing after sunset as temperatures drop back below 10 degrees.
Looking ahead into the first week of February, winter stays active across Wisconsin. Additional snow chances appear later in the week, while cold air remains anchored by expanding ice across the Great Lakes.
Winter routines remain essential. How slick were the roads in your neighborhood this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI
• Today: Mostly sunny, cold; highs near 20
• Sunday: Snow likely; highs near 24
• Monday: Mostly sunny; highs near 24
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, colder; highs near 23
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny; highs near 25
