textproduct: La Crosse

KEY MESSAGES

- A dry and pleasant weekend with highs in the low 70s to low 80s.

- Next widespread chance (30 to 55%) for showers and storms in Tuesday into Wednesday

- Seasonable temperatures continue for next week with highs in the mid 70s to mid 80s.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1147 PM CDT Fri Aug 21 2026

Today - Monday: Dry and Seasonable

After this shortwave exits the region, northwest flow returns as a trough sets up to our east and a ridge to our west. This ridge will be at its strongest over the weekend across the central CONUS. While in between these two features, our region will be under the influence of surface high pressure helping to keep conditions dry and temperatures in the low 70s to low 80s. Dewpoints also lower during the weekend into the 50s resulting in a pleasant day for each of the next three days. Heading into Monday this ridge breaks down as a shortwave trough moves across southern Canada.

Tuesday - Wednesday: Storm Potential Returns

Ensemble and deterministic guidance are in good agreement that the shortwave moves down into northern Minnesota on Tuesday resulting in increased precipitation chances for the Upper Midwest during this two day stretch. The timing and placement of where the precipitation will end up at is still uncertain. These details, as well if any of these storms have severe potential, will be ironed out over the next few days.

Thursday - Saturday: Dry Early, More Storm Potential Into the Weekend

Once the shortwave passes through the area, northwest flow continues for Thursday allowing for much of the region to remain relatively dry. By Friday, the upper-level pattern switches to a more zonal flow. Heading into the weekend members from both the GEFS (25 to 40%) and EPS (20 to 30%) are highlighting the potential for more showers and storms. The deterministic GFS and ECMWF also show a wave impacting the Upper Midwest during this time, however it is still too far out to be confident in this scenario occurring.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 552 AM CDT Sat Aug 22 2026

Outside of the usual troublesome Wisconsin River valley during overnight periods, VFR conditions with winds out of the northwest are expected to prevail over the next 24 hours. A few clouds in the 5-10 kft range may be seen over the next few hours before mostly clear skies prevail. Some gusts to around 25 knots expected this afternoon.

ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

WI...None. MN...None. IA...None.