La Crosse, WI – Overnight lows are expected to plunge into the upper 20s to mid-30s tonight into early Wednesday morning across much of western and central Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service in La Crosse. The sharp drop in temperatures could damage or kill sensitive vegetation left unprotected.
The greatest risk for a killing freeze will occur along and north of the Interstate 94 corridor, including areas such as Eau Claire, Medford, and Marshfield. These regions are under a Freeze Warning, with temperatures forecast to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Further south, including parts of La Crosse, Viroqua, and Richland Center, a Frost Advisory is in effect where temperatures could dip into the low to mid-30s.
Forecasters advise residents to bring plants indoors or cover them overnight to prevent damage from the cold. Gardeners and farmers in particular should take precautions, as the early-season freeze could affect any remaining outdoor crops or landscaping.
The cold air mass will linger into early Wednesday morning before temperatures slowly rebound later in the day. Patchy frost may still form in sheltered areas through midweek.
