Weather
Western Wisconsin Weather Alert: 31° Frost Risk Oct 17
La Crosse, WI – A freezing start to the weekend is approaching western Wisconsin as widespread rain gives way to gusty winds, clearing skies and temperatures falling to approximately 31 degrees early
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-10-15T08:46:30.799Z
La Crosse, WI – A freezing start to the weekend is approaching western Wisconsin as widespread rain gives way to gusty winds, clearing skies and temperatures falling to approximately 31 degrees early Saturday, October 17. The National Weather Service expects widespread frost around La Crosse before sunrise Saturday, creating potentially damaging conditions for sensitive outdoor vegetation. The colder weather follows a wet Thursday and breezy Friday, with temperatures expected to rebound into the 60s by Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service forecast for La Crosse, Thursday carries a 100% chance of showers, mainly after 10 a.m., with temperatures reaching approximately 56 degrees. Rainfall amounts between one half and three quarters of an inch are possible during the day. Additional showers are expected Thursday night, with a 90% precipitation probability before conditions begin improving Friday morning.
Temperatures Drop Toward Freezing Friday Night Friday, October 16, will bring a noticeable change as cooler air settles across the La Crosse area. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, a 50% chance of showers mainly before 10 a.m. and an afternoon high near 52 degrees. North winds of 11 to 15 mph could gust as high as 31 mph, making outdoor conditions feel considerably cooler.
The combination of lingering showers and gusty winds could affect motorists traveling along Interstate 90, US Highway 53 and Wisconsin Highway 35. Wet pavement and occasional reduced visibility are possible during heavier showers, while exposed roadways could experience stronger crosswinds. No specific highway closures or traffic disruptions are identified in the supplied forecast.
By Friday evening, skies should become mostly clear as winds diminish and temperatures begin falling rapidly. The National Weather Service expects a low near 31 degrees, with widespread frost developing mainly after 4 a.m. Saturday. North winds around 6 mph are expected to become calm during the evening, allowing colder conditions to develop before sunrise.
Widespread Frost Expected Saturday Morning The coldest conditions are expected early Saturday, October 17, when widespread frost is forecast mainly before 8 a.m. Temperatures falling below freezing could damage sensitive vegetation, particularly exposed flowers, garden plants and other outdoor greenery.
Residents across La Crosse County and nearby western Wisconsin communities should consider moving vulnerable potted plants indoors or protecting temperature sensitive vegetation before Friday night. Although the supplied forecast supports freezing temperatures and widespread frost, it does not establish whether an official freeze warning or frost advisory has been issued.
Saturday afternoon will bring considerable improvement as sunshine returns and temperatures climb to approximately 58 degrees. Southerly winds could gust near 21 mph, while clear skies continue Saturday night with temperatures falling to around 40 degrees.
Warmer Weather Returns Sunday and Next Week Sunday, October 18, should provide more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities, with sunny skies and an afternoon high near 64 degrees. South winds of 9 to 14 mph could gust as high as 24 mph, while mostly clear conditions continue Sunday night with temperatures falling to approximately 43 degrees.
The warming trend continues Monday, when temperatures could reach 67 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Tuesday brings a high near 69 degrees, followed by approximately 70 degrees Wednesday.
The extended forecast does not identify another freezing temperature event through Wednesday, October 21, suggesting the weekend's coldest conditions may be relatively brief.
Will you be protecting outdoor plants before Saturday morning's freezing temperatures arrive in western Wisconsin?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Showers are expected mainly after 10 a.m., with a 100% precipitation chance and a high near 56 degrees; rain continues Thursday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 44 degrees and a 90% precipitation chance.
Friday 10/16: Mostly cloudy skies and a 50% chance of morning showers accompany a high near 52 degrees, with north wind gusts reaching 31 mph before temperatures fall to 31 degrees Friday night.
Saturday 10/17: Widespread frost is expected mainly before 8 a.m., followed by sunny skies and an afternoon high near 58 degrees; clear conditions continue Saturday night, with temperatures dropping to approximately 40 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Sunny skies and warmer temperatures return, with an afternoon high near 64 degrees and southerly wind gusts reaching 24 mph; mostly clear conditions continue Sunday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 43 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny and milder conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching approximately 67 degrees across La Crosse; Monday night turns partly cloudy, with temperatures falling near 42 degrees and calm winds.
Extended Outlook: October 20 21 Tuesday, October 20, is expected to be mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 69 degrees and light winds. Mostly clear conditions continue Tuesday night, with temperatures falling near 46 degrees.
Wednesday, October 21, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures climbing to approximately 70 degrees and light southerly winds developing during the morning.