Wisconsin residents should prepare for an early taste of fall as frost becomes a real possibility late tonight into Thursday morning. Drivers along I-90 and Highway 53 could see frosty windshields before sunrise, creating slick spots in colder valleys.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a cold front sweeping across western Wisconsin will drop overnight lows into the lower 40s. Calm winds and clear skies will allow rapid cooling, setting up favorable conditions for patchy frost in rural areas and river valleys. Sensitive plants should be covered, and commuters should plan extra time Thursday morning.
While the morning starts with frost risk, attention shifts Thursday night when showers and isolated thunderstorms move into the La Crosse area. Rainfall totals may reach half an inch, with brief gusty winds up to 22 mph. Drivers on I-90 should expect slower travel during evening commutes.
Friday brings partly sunny skies with highs near 60, signaling a crisp fall pattern. The weekend turns more comfortable, with Saturday mostly sunny near 64 and Saturday night dipping to the lower 40s. Outdoor events, including early football games, should enjoy favorable conditions.
Sunday warms again, reaching the low 70s under bright skies. Another system brings scattered showers Sunday night into Monday before cooler, breezy conditions return early next week.
Residents should take frost precautions tonight and monitor conditions as rain chances arrive Thursday evening. More advisories could follow if temperatures dip again by the weekend.
Five Day Forecast for La Crosse, WI
- Thursday: Morning frost risk, high near 64, showers likely overnight. Low 47.
- Friday: Partly sunny, high 60, low 44. Breezy at times.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 64, low 42. Mostly clear night.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, warmer, high 71, low 49. Showers possible late.
- Monday: Showers possible, high 73, low 54. Turning breezy.
