ALERT DAY Today & Tonight -Bill Graul

Saturday’s Forecast High: 94F / Tonight’s Forecast Low: 70F…

ALERT DAY today due to heat and humidity. Expect highs ranging from the mid-upper 80s (far north) to the low-mid 90s. High humidity will cause heat indices (what it feels like) in the 95-105F range, with the highest values likely near and south/east of La Crosse. Be sure to take it easy during the hottest part of the day (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and drink plenty of water. Don’t forget about your pets and livestock as well.

A cold front approaching from the NW will then bump into this very warm and humid air mass, bringing a slight chance of storms during the midday and afternoon hours, mainly north/west parts of our viewing area. Many areas could remain dry during much of the day.

ALERT NIGHT tonight. Storms then become likely into tonight as the front slows down and perhaps even stalls near the I-90 corridor. This could cause several rounds of storms, leading to locally heavy rainfall. There’s also a chance for a few strong to isolated severe storms later in the day and into this evening. Gusty winds and hail would be the main threats, but locally heavy rainfall could be more of a concern into the overnight.

If storms track over the same areas, several inches of rain could occur. This could lead to flash flooding, or at least urban and street flooding. This could also lead to rising water levels on area rivers, creeks and streams. Exactly where the axis of heaviest rainfall sets up is still in question (could fluctuate north or south)… so be sure to stay tuned for updates and download our FREE First Alert weather app to stay informed and weather aware!

Potential Rainfall Tonight into Early Sunday

Scattered showers and t-storms will still be a good bet on Sunday, but it will be cooler with highs in the 70s to near 80F, perhaps low-mid 80s far south. Mostly to partly cloudy Monday, with highs in the mid-upper 70s and much lower humidity as well.

Looking Ahead… If we see heavy rainfall this weekend, the good news is most of next week is now looking dry. Temps look to be seasonable with highs mainly in the 80s and lows in the 50s and 60s. Small chance of t-showers next Saturday.

Have a good weekend, but stay cool today and be sure to remain weather aware later today and tonight. -Meteorologist Bill Graul