La Crosse, WI — Unseasonably warm air is moving into the La Crosse area, with record temperatures expected Monday through Wednesday. Residents west of the Mississippi River should prepare for highs in the upper 60s and 70s, peaking on Tuesday with temperatures possibly reaching the low 80s. High winds, gusting up to 40 mph, will accompany the warm spell, adding an element of hazard to travel on local highways, including U.S. Route 53 and Interstate 90.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse forecasts increasing winds beginning Monday, making outdoor activities potentially dangerous and creating challenges for drivers, especially high-profile vehicles. NWS advises locals to secure any outdoor items that could become projectiles in high wind conditions. The warm front is expected to last through midweek, with the next chance of showers and thunderstorms arriving late Tuesday night.
According to the NWS, a cold front will push into the area late Wednesday, bringing a heightened risk of thunderstorms. Some storms may reach severe levels, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds up to 40 mph, posing flood risks in areas with poor drainage. Temperatures are forecasted to drop sharply by Thursday, with highs only in the low 50s…