Honestly, if you've lived in the Driftless Area for more than a week, you know the drill. One day you’re walking along the Mississippi without a coat, and the next, the wind is trying to take your face off.
Right now, the la crosse 10 day forecast is looking like a classic Wisconsin emotional rollercoaster. We are currently sitting at a surprisingly balmy 43°F as of Tuesday afternoon, January 13, 2026. But don't get used to it. The clouds are thick, the humidity is hanging at 70%, and a 13 mph wind from the west is already signaling that the party is over.
Basically, the mild start to this week is a total trap.
The Immediate Drop: Goodbye, 40s
Tuesday’s high of 47°F is the peak. If you have errands to run or just want to see what grass looks like before it disappears again, do it now. By tonight, the floor falls out. We’re looking at a low of 19°F with a 20% chance of snow.
Wednesday, January 14, is going to be a shock to the system. The high only reaches 20°F. That’s a nearly 30-degree drop in 24 hours. It’ll be sunny, sure, but with a 16 mph northwest wind, that sun is purely decorative.
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Thursday stays cold with a high of 31°F, but the real story is the return of the white stuff. We have a 40% chance of snow showers during both the day and night.
Snow and the Single Digits
Friday, January 16, keeps the snow theme going. High of 32°F, low of 7°F.
Then things get actually cold. Saturday and Sunday (January 17-18) are looking like "stay inside and watch Netflix" days. Highs are struggling to even hit double digits—8°F on Saturday and 9°F on Sunday. Overnight lows are dipping to -2°F.
Wait, it gets better. Or worse, depending on how much you like your extremities.
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Monday, January 19, is currently forecasted for a high of only 3°F. That is a legitimate "don't let the dog out for too long" kind of day. With northwest winds around 14 mph, the wind chill is going to be brutal.
Looking Toward Next Week
By Tuesday, January 20, we start a slow climb back to civilization. We’re expecting a high of 18°F with some actual snow falling during the day.
Midweek looks a bit more manageable:
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high of 27°F, low of 14°F.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high of 26°F, low of 3°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Back to the freezer with a high of 7°F.
Why Is This Happening?
It's easy to blame the "Polar Vortex," a term that gets thrown around every time a TV meteorologist needs a dramatic graphic. But looking at the broader climate data, we're in a weird transition.
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According to the National Weather Service, we’ve been seeing a transition toward ENSO-neutral conditions this winter. While La Niña was the big story earlier, its grip is loosening. This often leads to exactly what we're seeing: massive temperature swings and more frequent, albeit lighter, snow events.
Historically, January 22 is the coldest day of the year in La Crosse, with average lows of 11°F. This year, we’re beating those averages on the low end. We aren't hitting the record low of -33°F set back in 1931, but -4°F is plenty cold enough to remind you that you live in the Upper Midwest.
Survival Tips for the Next 10 Days
Don't be the person who gets caught without a scraper in their car on Wednesday morning.
- Check your tire pressure. These 40-degree-to-sub-zero drops will make your "low pressure" light pop on faster than you can say "Kwik Trip."
- Layer up for Monday. If you have to be outside when the high is 3°F, moisture-wicking base layers are non-negotiable.
- Watch the ice. With rain today and a hard freeze tonight, Wednesday morning is going to be a skating rink.
This la crosse 10 day forecast confirms what we already knew: winter in the 608 is never boring. Grab your heavy parka, keep the shovel handy, and maybe buy an extra gallon of milk before the single digits hit this weekend.
Next Steps for You:
Check your car's antifreeze levels today while it's still above freezing. Once the temperature hits -2°F on Saturday night, you'll be glad you did.