Wisconsin — Cold air cuts across the Mississippi River this morning, biting exposed skin within minutes. Breath hangs thick in the air as wind slides down the bluffs around La Crosse.
Temperatures sit near 6 degrees, but wind chills dip to -14°F, making this one of the coldest starts of the season. Northwest winds gust over 20 mph at times, pushing cold straight through heavy coats. While skies stay mostly dry today, the danger comes from cold stress and fast-freezing pavement.
Drivers should watch bridges, ramps, and shaded roadways early. Even dry pavement can become slick where moisture lingers. Slow down on Highway 14, Highway 53, and river crossings during the morning hours.
Conditions improve slightly this afternoon as sunshine breaks through. Highs climb near 22 degrees, though it still feels sharply cold. Tonight remains quiet but frigid. Lows drop near 4 degrees, setting the stage for another icy start Saturday morning.
Saturday offers a brief recovery. Clouds thin, winds relax, and highs rebound to the low 30s, making travel and errands easier. Sunday turns colder again, with highs near 24 degrees under sunny skies. Late Sunday night into Monday, meteorologists are watching a weak system. Light snow or a rain-snow mix is possible, especially north of La Crosse. Accumulation looks minor for now, but timing could affect early-week travel.
Looking ahead, temperatures trend milder into Christmas week. Highs reach the mid to upper 30s by Tuesday and Wednesday. Models hint at an unsettled pattern late next week. While no major storm is locked in, any shift from mild to cold could bring snow chances back into focus for Christmas Travel.
For today, limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and allow extra time on cold starts.
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 33
- Sunday: Sunny, colder, high near 24
- Monday: Slight snow chance, high near 36
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 37
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 41
