Wisconsin — Breath turns to fog instantly along the Mississippi River this morning. Snow crunches underfoot as La Crosse sits in the heart of a stubborn Arctic blast.
Temperatures hover near 2 degrees early today, but the wind strips away warmth fast. Northwest breezes drive wind chills down near 12 below zero, making short trips outside feel punishing. Frostbite becomes possible with prolonged exposure, especially on exposed skin.
Sunshine dominates today, yet it offers little relief. Afternoon highs reach only around 11 degrees. Winds ease slightly by midday, but shaded roads and sidewalks stay slick. Refreezing remains a concern after any brief melting.
Cold sharpens again tonight. Lows fall near minus 6 under mostly clear skies. Calm winds allow temperatures to drop quickly, especially in river valleys and low-lying areas. Drivers should expect icy patches to redevelop before dawn.
Thursday stays bright but bitter. Highs again top out near 11 degrees. Light winds help slightly, though the cold still bites. By evening, clouds return, slowing the overnight drop but keeping lows near minus 6.
Friday marks the first subtle shift. Sunshine returns, and highs climb toward 12 degrees. Morning cold remains intense, but conditions improve modestly by afternoon. Still, winter travel demands caution, especially during early hours.
Saturday finally brings noticeable relief. Highs push near 20 degrees under sunny skies. Winds remain light, making it feel far more manageable outdoors. Sunday trends milder still, with highs near 25 and a chance for light snow later in the day.
This prolonged cold connects to Arctic air locked over the Great Lakes, now heavily ice-covered. That ice limits lake-effect snow but allows frigid air to linger longer across western Wisconsin.
Bundle up today. Cover exposed skin, watch for flash freezing, and allow extra time on roads. How cold did it feel where you were this morning in La Crosse?
Five-Day Outlook for La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Today: Sunny, very cold, high near 11°F
- Thursday: Sunny, bitter cold, high near 11°F
- Friday: Sunny, slowly moderating, high near 12°F
- Saturday: Sunny and milder, high near 20°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, chance of snow late, high near 25°F
