Wisconsin – Cold air settles into the Mississippi River Valley this morning, sharpening the feel of early winter across western Wisconsin. Breath hangs in the air, and pavement feels stiff underfoot as temperatures hover near 30 degrees around La Crosse.
According to the National Weather Service, skies clear as the morning progresses, allowing some sunshine to break through. Winds shift northwest at times, with gusts near 20 mph adding a biting edge. Drivers on Highway 14, Highway 16, and I-90 should watch for brief slick spots early, especially on bridges and shaded stretches.
Conditions turn calmer later today, though temperatures fall again by afternoon. Tonight brings a hard freeze. Lows drop near 4 degrees, and wind chills dip below zero in rural areas. Any moisture on roads may refreeze quickly, raising black ice concerns for early Sunday travel.
Sunday looks bright but cold. Sunshine dominates, yet highs only reach the mid-20s. It’s a classic December setup: quiet weather, but little melting. Plan extra time if traveling early, and keep winter gear close.
Changes begin late Sunday night. Clouds increase, and a slight chance of snow develops after midnight. Snow chances continue into Monday morning, with a brief rain-and-snow mix possible as temperatures climb toward the upper 30s. While amounts appear light, even a thin coating can cause slowdowns during the Monday commute.
Tuesday brings partial sunshine and highs near 35. By midweek, temperatures rise into the low 40s, easing travel conditions ahead of Christmas. Still, meteorologists caution that repeated freeze-thaw cycles can create hidden hazards on untreated roads.
Holiday travelers should stay alert, especially during early mornings. This is the season when minor changes make major impacts.
Traveling soon or seeing icy patches where you live? Let us know what conditions look like in your area.
Five Day Outlook for La Crosse, Wisconsin
• Today: Clearing skies, high near 30
• Sunday: Sunny and cold, high near 26
• Monday: Slight snow or rain chance, high near 38
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 35
• Wednesday: Cloudy and milder, high near 41
