Weather
Western Wisconsin Weather Alert: Showers Return Oct 28-31
La Crosse, WI – Rain could become a growing concern across western Wisconsin heading into Halloween weekend as temperatures climb into the lower 70s before unsettled conditions return. La Crosse is ex
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-25T10:08:43.800Z
La Crosse, WI – Rain could become a growing concern across western Wisconsin heading into Halloween weekend as temperatures climb into the lower 70s before unsettled conditions return. La Crosse is expected to reach 72 degrees Wednesday, Oct. 28, marking a significant rebound from Monday's cooler conditions. However, increasing shower chances later in the week could affect travel, outdoor gatherings and Halloween preparations, with the National Weather Service projecting a 60% chance of precipitation Friday night and another 50% chance Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service forecast for La Crosse, the transition begins Wednesday with a 20% chance of showers before 1 p.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and an afternoon high near 72 degrees. Southwest winds between 7 and 9 mph could gust as high as 20 mph. Rain chances then increase to 40% Wednesday night as temperatures fall toward 49 degrees, introducing a more unsettled pattern for the remainder of the week.
Midweek Warmup Brings Changing Conditions The approaching shift follows several days of relatively mild but variable late October weather. Sunday, Oct. 25, is expected to bring mostly cloudy skies and a high near 65 degrees, followed by temperatures dropping to approximately 47 degrees Sunday night. Monday will be cooler, with mostly cloudy conditions and an afternoon high near 58 degrees.
Tuesday brings a noticeable recovery as partly sunny skies help temperatures climb to approximately 67 degrees. South winds between 7 and 9 mph could produce gusts reaching 18 mph. By Tuesday night, a 30% chance of showers develops after 1 a.m., with temperatures remaining relatively mild near 54 degrees.
Wednesday's projected high of 72 degrees represents a 14 degree increase from Monday's afternoon temperature. That warming could provide favorable conditions for some outdoor activities, although the possibility of showers early Wednesday and again Wednesday night makes precipitation timing an important consideration.
Rain Chances Could Affect Western Wisconsin Travel The developing weather pattern could become relevant for motorists traveling Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 53 and other major routes connecting La Crosse with surrounding communities in La Crosse County. Periods of rain could leave pavement wet and create localized visibility concerns, particularly during evening travel.
Thursday currently offers a temporary improvement, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching approximately 67 degrees. Calm winds are expected during the day, but another 30% chance of showers develops mainly after 1 a.m. Friday, when temperatures are forecast to fall to around 50 degrees.
Friday brings partly sunny skies and a high near 71 degrees, along with a 40% chance of showers. South winds between 3 and 7 mph are expected, providing relatively mild conditions despite the increasing possibility of precipitation.
Halloween Weekend Brings Higher Rain Chances The most notable precipitation probability in the supplied forecast arrives Friday night, Oct. 30, when showers become likely and rain chances reach 60%. Mostly cloudy skies and temperatures near 55 degrees are expected, with south winds around 5 mph.
Saturday, Oct. 31, brings continued uncertainty for Halloween activities. The National Weather Service projects a 50% chance of showers, mostly cloudy skies and an afternoon high near 68 degrees. South winds between 5 and 7 mph are expected.
The forecast does not specify exactly when Saturday's showers might occur, making it too early to determine whether evening trick or treating will be affected. No specific rainfall accumulation or severe weather threat is identified in the supplied La Crosse forecast.
Families organizing outdoor celebrations and drivers planning weekend travel should monitor updated forecasts as precipitation timing becomes clearer.
Will the increasing rain chances affect your Halloween plans in La Crosse or surrounding western Wisconsin communities?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Mostly cloudy skies are expected, with an afternoon high near 65 degrees and north winds between 3 and 6 mph; Sunday night remains mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 47 degrees and north winds around 6 mph.
Monday 10/26: Mostly cloudy conditions continue, with an afternoon high near 58 degrees and east winds between 3 and 6 mph; Monday night brings a 10% chance of showers before 7 p.m., with a low near 45 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Partly sunny skies help temperatures climb to approximately 67 degrees, with south winds between 7 and 9 mph and gusts reaching 18 mph; Tuesday night brings a 30% chance of showers after 1 a.m. and a low near 54 degrees.
Wednesday 10/28: A 20% chance of showers is expected before 1 p.m., followed by mostly sunny skies and a high near 72 degrees; southwest winds could gust to 20 mph, while Wednesday night brings a 40% chance of showers and a low near 49 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Mostly sunny skies return, with an afternoon high near 67 degrees and calm winds; Thursday night becomes partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to approximately 50 degrees and a 30% chance of showers developing mainly after 1 a.m.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30: Partly sunny skies are expected, with an afternoon high near 71 degrees and a 40% chance of showers. Friday night brings showers likely, with a 60% precipitation probability and temperatures falling to approximately 55 degrees.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween: Mostly cloudy conditions are expected, with a high near 68 degrees and a 50% chance of showers. South winds between 5 and 7 mph are forecast. Specific evening precipitation timing remains unavailable.