Weather
Western Wisconsin Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Rain, Snow Possible Nov. 22-28
La Crosse, WI – Western Wisconsin residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain
By Owen Prescott · 2026-11-15T00:13:38.983Z
La Crosse, WI – Western Wisconsin residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter changing weather conditions November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities as the holiday period approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across portions of western Wisconsin during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook indicates a modest tilt toward wetter than average conditions in western portions of the state, while central and eastern Wisconsin are closer to near normal precipitation probabilities.
These outlooks describe the likelihood of precipitation totals falling above, near or below normal over the seven day period, not the probability of snow or rain on a particular day.
Meanwhile, the temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across Wisconsin, suggesting a generally milder pattern for late November.
Could Western Wisconsin See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite the warmer temperature outlook, snow remains possible across western Wisconsin, particularly if colder air arrives while precipitation is occurring.
Communities including La Crosse, Eau Claire, Hudson, Menomonie, River Falls and Prairie du Chien could experience rain during milder periods, with snow or freezing rain possible if temperatures become sufficiently cold.
Higher terrain and rural roads could be particularly vulnerable to slippery conditions if wintry precipitation develops.
Above normal temperatures do not mean every day will remain above freezing.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall, ice accumulation or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 90, Interstate 94, U.S. Highway 53 and U.S. Highway 61 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could create wet roads and reduced visibility, while snow or freezing rain could produce slippery conditions if colder temperatures develop.
No specific hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, western Wisconsin faces a potentially wetter holiday period, with snow and icy conditions remaining possibilities worth monitoring.