Wisconsin wakes up locked in winter as bitter cold grips the Mississippi River Valley. In La Crosse, the air feels sharp and dry, with frost clinging to railings and wind cutting across open streets.
Early today, temperatures hover near 8°F, with wind chills dropping to –5° to –10° at times. Skies stay mostly cloudy, and while snow is not widespread, icy pavement remains a concern. Bridges and elevated roadways along I-90 and Highway 14 may stay slick through the morning commute. Allow extra time if traveling early.
By afternoon, some sun breaks through, and highs climb toward 27°F. Winds ease slightly, but cold ground temperatures keep refreezing an issue after sunset. Tonight falls back near 14°F, setting up another crisp start Tuesday.
Tuesday offers a brief winter pause. Temperatures rebound into the upper 30s, with partly sunny skies and lighter winds. Melting snow during the day may create wet pavement, which could flash-freeze once temperatures drop Tuesday night. Drivers should stay alert after dark.
Attention then turns to Wednesday night into Thursday, when a developing system may bring rain first, then a rain/snow mix. With overnight lows near 33°F, even a small temperature shift could mean slick roads or icy sidewalks. Gusty southwest winds may reach 25 to 30 mph, reducing visibility during heavier bursts.
Thursday stays unsettled. Rain and snow chances linger, with highs near 36°F, before colder air returns Thursday night. That transition raises concern for refreezing conditions into early Friday, especially on untreated surfaces.
Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures trend colder again. Snow chances remain low but not zero, keeping a Winter Tease feel across western Wisconsin as December travel ramps up.
5-Day Outlook for La Crosse, WI
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 38°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 37°F
- Thursday: Rain/snow chance, breezy, high near 36°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, high near 27°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 34°F
