Wisconsin — A steady curtain of cold rain taps across windshields before dawn, beading on sidewalks and leaving the Mississippi River valley wrapped in a gray, chilly hush. As colder air creeps in from the northwest, the first hints of a Winter Tease may brush the ridges and bluffs around La Crosse, bringing a brief rain-to-snow mix right as early Thanksgiving travel begins to ramp up.
According to the National Weather Service La Crosse office, rain continues through the early morning before colder pockets allow a quick changeover to light snow on grassy, elevated surfaces. Accumulations stay minimal, but slick spots could still develop on ramps, bridges, and shaded stretches along I-90, Highway 14, and rural county roads. Travelers should slow down, use extra distance, and watch for rapidly changing road textures as pavement temperatures hover just above freezing.
The atmosphere steadies later today as precipitation shifts east and cloud ceilings rise. Skies trend mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 30s. This lull gives residents a useful window for errands, last-minute leaf cleanup, or early holiday planning.
Wednesday brings cloud cover but calmer winds and slightly milder conditions. Highs lift into the lower 40s with better visibility, easing travel for those leaving town early for Thanksgiving gatherings.
By Thursday, the pattern turns brighter and drier. Sunshine breaks through with highs in the low 50s, providing one of the more comfortable days of the week. For now, no additional snow signals appear through Friday, though models continue to hint at brief cold snaps possible later in November.
This weekend looks seasonably crisp with chilly mornings in the 20s and afternoons in the upper 40s. Holiday travelers should find generally smooth conditions across western Wisconsin as long as they check for localized fog or patchy drizzle at daybreak.
