Weather
Driftless Weather: 81-Year-Old Heat Record at Risk Oct 28 for Wisconsin, Minnesota Region
La Crosse, WI – Near record or record breaking warmth could sweep across western Wisconsin and neighboring portions of Minnesota and Iowa Wednesday, October 28, with temperatures potentially challengi
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-28T10:24:05.169Z
La Crosse, WI – Near record or record breaking warmth could sweep across western Wisconsin and neighboring portions of Minnesota and Iowa Wednesday, October 28, with temperatures potentially challenging daily high records that have stood for decades.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, unusually warm conditions are expected across the region Wednesday, and several communities could tie or break their existing October 28 temperature records.
In La Crosse, the daily record high stands at 75 degrees, established in 1945. That mark has remained unbroken for 81 years.
Other Wisconsin communities also have long standing records potentially at risk.
Sparta's October 28 record is 74 degrees, also set in 1945, while Viroqua's record stands at 75 degrees from 1940.
Prairie du Chien has a higher record of 78 degrees, established in 1966.
Meanwhile, Mauston's daily record is 74 degrees, and Lancaster's is 75 degrees.
The unusual warmth extends beyond Wisconsin.
In southeastern Minnesota, Rochester's October 28 record is 73 degrees, set just two years ago in 2024.
Winona has an even higher record of 80 degrees, established in 1966.
Across northeastern Iowa, Decorah's record stands at 75 degrees, while Charles City could challenge its longstanding 76 degree record from 1945.
The National Weather Service emphasized that several daily records may be tied or broken as temperatures climb Wednesday afternoon.
For residents across La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Crawford and surrounding counties, the warmth represents an unusual late October weather pattern.
The agency's historical records show that some locations have maintained temperature observations for more than a century, including La Crosse, where records began in 1872.
While the warm conditions may provide favorable opportunities for outdoor activities, the possibility of breaking decades old records highlights just how unusual Wednesday's temperatures could become.
Official record confirmations will depend on observed afternoon highs.