La Crosse, Wisconsin – Smoky skies and summer heat will blanket La Crosse starting Sunday, bringing elevated health risks and 88° highs by Monday.
Sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart conditions—should stay indoors Sunday and Monday as PM2.5 levels rise to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse across west-central Wisconsin.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, an Air Quality Advisory remains in effect until noon Monday, driven by drifting wildfire smoke from Canada. The La Crosse area, including nearby cities like Sparta, Viroqua, and Prairie du Chien, is expected to see the highest concentrations of smoke on Sunday.
Visibility may remain clear, but the fine particle pollution is invisible and hazardous. Officials urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity and keep medications on hand if needed. Those traveling along Highway 35, I-90, and local routes should expect hazy conditions and potential breathing discomfort through early week.
Sunday’s weather will otherwise remain sunny, with a high near 84°F and light southwest winds. That heat ticks up Monday, when La Crosse may top 88°F with mostly sunny skies. Low rain chances persist through Tuesday, though scattered thunderstorms may return Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Extended Outlook (July 13–17):
- Sunday: Sunny, 84°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 88°F.
- Tuesday: Slight storm chance late, high 87°F.
- Wednesday: Scattered thunderstorms likely, high 83°F.
- Thursday: Spotty storms continue, high 78°F.
Air Quality Alerts remain in effect through noon Monday. More advisories are possible if wildfire smoke lingers.
