Weather
Wisconsin Weather Oct. 16–20: Frost Risk, Lows Near 33°
La Crosse, WI Western Wisconsin faces a cold start to the weekend as temperatures near freezing Friday night bring the threat of widespread frost Saturday morning, followed by a steady warmup that cou
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-14T09:59:52.158Z
La Crosse, WI Western Wisconsin faces a cold start to the weekend as temperatures near freezing Friday night bring the threat of widespread frost Saturday morning, followed by a steady warmup that could push La Crosse to 70 degrees by Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service forecast for La Crosse, temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 33 degrees Friday night, with frost developing after 3 a.m. Saturday.
The colder conditions follow a period of widespread rain Thursday and gusty north winds Friday as a changing weather pattern moves across the Upper Midwest.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center identifies strong Canadian high pressure as the driving force behind a significant cooldown across much of the central United States late this week.
Frost Develops After Friday's Gusty Winds Friday will bring noticeably cooler conditions following Thursday's rainfall.
In La Crosse, temperatures are expected to reach only 55 degrees Friday afternoon, compared with Wednesday's projected high of 62.
North winds of 13 to 23 mph could gust as high as 33 mph Friday before gradually weakening overnight.
With skies clearing and winds diminishing, temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 33 degrees early Saturday.
The National Weather Service forecasts areas of frost developing after 3 a.m., becoming widespread before 8 a.m. Saturday.
The near freezing temperatures could affect sensitive outdoor vegetation, particularly in gardens and exposed locations.
Residents with late season plants may want to consider protective measures before Friday evening.
Sunshine Returns With a Gradual Warmup Despite the chilly start, Saturday afternoon should bring sunshine and temperatures near 60 degrees.
Southwest winds could gust to 22 mph during the afternoon as conditions begin moderating.
Sunday continues the warming trend, with sunshine and highs near 64 degrees. Southwest wind gusts could reach 24 mph.
By Monday, temperatures are expected to climb to 67 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
Tuesday brings additional warming, with afternoon temperatures approaching 70 degrees.
That represents a 15 degree increase from Friday's projected high, providing a noticeably milder finish to the five day period.
Although NOAA's broader outlook indicates temperatures could fall 20 to 25 degrees behind the advancing cold front in some parts of the central United States, that regional estimate does not represent a specific temperature decline for La Crosse.
For western Wisconsin, the most significant development is the arrival of near freezing temperatures early Saturday, followed by several days of sunshine and gradually warmer afternoons.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for La Crosse, illustrating expected conditions along the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin. Temperatures and frost coverage may vary elsewhere in the region.
Friday, Oct. 16: Partly sunny and breezy, with north winds gusting as high as 33 mph. High near 55°. Overnight low around 33°, with areas of frost developing after 3 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17: Widespread frost before 8 a.m., followed by sunshine. High near 60°. Southwest winds could gust to 22 mph. Overnight low around 41° under clear skies. Sunday, Oct. 18: Sunny and warmer, with a high near 64°. Southwest winds could gust to 24 mph. Overnight low around 46° under partly cloudy skies. Monday, Oct. 19: Mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 67°. Overnight low around 44° under mostly clear skies. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 70°. Light south winds developing during the afternoon. Overnight low not available in the supplied forecast.