LA CROSSE, Wis. — The Mississippi River valley wakes under a soft, frosty haze this morning, the quiet before another November turn. Mild air holds on briefly, but by the end of the week, western Wisconsin will trade sunshine for clouds, rain, and possibly its first light snow of the season.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wednesday brings sunshine and calmer conditions, with highs near 56°F. By Thursday, southerly winds will lift temperatures into the mid-50s before a cold front pushes east late in the day. Rain chances rise Thursday night into Friday, with the first drops likely after sunset.
Friday will be the key transition day — warm early, then sharply cooler by afternoon as northwesterly winds arrive. Highs will hold near 55°F before tumbling into the 20s Friday night. As colder air deepens, a brief rain-to-snow mix may occur late Friday into early Saturday, especially across higher ground north and west of La Crosse. No significant accumulation is expected, but slick spots could form on rural roads and bridges near I-90 and Highway 61.
By Saturday, a true taste of late fall returns. Highs will hover in the low 40s with gusty winds and a biting chill. The rest of the weekend looks drier but cold — lows in the 20s, highs near freezing by Sunday.
For now, residents should plan for wet travel Friday evening and prepare for the region’s first real cold snap of November — a clear sign winter is waiting in the wings.
Five-Day Forecast for La Crosse, WI:
Wed: 56/31 – Sunny; breezy west winds up to 30 mph.
Thu: 54/42 – Increasing clouds; mild and breezy late.
Fri: 55/29 – Rain early; turning colder by evening.
Sat: 42/22 – Chance of rain/snow early; windy and cold.
Sun: 34/24 – Mostly sunny; colder with crisp morning frost.
