Eau Claire, WI — A widespread overnight freeze will hit Minnesota and much of Wisconsin, with temperatures dropping to 25–32°F between 12 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday, threatening crops, damaging outdoor plumbing and creating slick early-morning travel conditions in Eau Claire, Hudson, Wausau and La Crosse.
According to the National Weather Service, the coldest window will occur from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Friday across western and central Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, including cities such as Menomonie, Rice Lake and Stevens Point. Clear skies and light winds will allow rapid heat loss, causing frost to form quickly, especially in valleys and rural low-lying areas.
Sensitive vegetation may be killed within hours as frost develops, with agricultural areas near Chippewa Falls and Sparta facing the highest risk. Unprotected pipes could freeze in exposed locations. Patchy frost on bridges and untreated roads along I-94, US-53 and rural highways may create slick spots for the early commute.
Low-lying roads, drainage areas and underpasses near Eau Claire and Black River Falls are especially vulnerable, where cold air settles first and frost can develop rapidly before sunrise.
This is part of a broader system bringing unseasonably cold air across the Upper Midwest.
Residents should cover plants and avoid early travel on untreated roads where frost may form.
The most dangerous conditions will peak between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., when temperatures bottom out and frost rapidly develops on exposed surfaces.
