textproduct: La Crosse

KEY MESSAGES

- Slightly above normal temperatures through the week. Variability in temperatures and wind gusts to start the week.6

- Precipitation chances remain mostly north of Interstate 94 through midweek, becoming more widespread Thursday and this weekend.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 151 PM CST Sun Feb 8 2026

Warmer Through Much Of The Forecast Period:

Slightly above normal temperatures today stick around through much of the forecast period as local forecast area remains between Canadian and CONUS continental airmasses, the latter influenced by gulf air attempting to advect north through the Mid Mississippi River Valley.

While high temperatures on Monday will be a few degrees warmer, a tightening low level isoheight gradient increases surface winds, keeping apparent temperatures from the 20s to mid 30s. Stronger wind gusts expected to stick around through Tuesday.

LREF disagreement in strength of responsible associated deepening extratropical cyclone sagging southeast north of the Great Lakes (GEFS) and strength of central CONUS ridging (GEPS) causes some discrepancies in temperatures through midweek. The deepest solution in the GEFS (08.12Z) keeps surface temperatures a few degrees colder than the EPS (08.12Z) with higher potential for slightly gustier winds. The coldest solution in the GEPS resultant of the weakest central CONUS ridge. Regardless, NBM interquartile spread remains near 5 degrees through the end of the work week, 30s during the daytime and 20s overnight.

Mostly Dry Until Thursday & This Weekend:

Precipitation chances remain mostly north of Interstate 94 through midweek. More widespread preciptiation chances initially Thursday morning and again this weekend. Large inter and intra ensemble spread can be seen for Saturday given the longer forecast hour and inconspicuous pattern.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/

Issued at 1129 AM CST Sun Feb 8 2026

A 3-5K deck of clouds will gradually move east out of the area this afternoon. Skies may briefly clear west of the Mississippi River. As a shortwave moves southwest and south of the area tonight, mid- and high clouds will move into the area.

ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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