Record Warmth Possible for Some Wednesday -Bill Graul

LOOKING BACK AT OCTOBER:

This past month of October was drier than average and slightly cooler than average. 9 of the 10 months this year have been drier than average in La Crosse, with June being the only month wetter than average. It’s no wonder we have drought conditions in place across the region.

WHAT WE’RE TRACKING:

Today was an unseasonably warm start to November, with highs in the low-mid 70s. The high in La Crosse was 74F, which is 20-degrees above average! Wednesday will be just as warm, if not warmer… thanks in part to breezy south winds 10-20 mph and gusts around 25 mph. Highs Wednesday will be in the low-mid 70s and my forecast high for La Crosse is 76F. The record high for 11/2 is 75F, set way back in 1938.

PLANNING YOUR NEXT 24 HOURS:

Mostly clear tonight and temps will be milder than the past several nights. Expect lows in the 40-50F range, with S/SE winds around 5-10 mph. Sunny to partly cloudy and unseasonably warm once again on Wednesday, with highs in the low-mid 70s.

Breezy with increasing clouds Thursday, but still warm with highs in the upper 60s to low-mid 70s. Much needed rain finally returns to the forecast Thursday night into Friday, perhaps some isolated thunder as well. The cause for the rain chances is a cold front slowly tracking in from the west, with ripples of energy lifting north/east along the front. Periods of rain look to remain likely Saturday as well. The clouds and rain chances will push temps closer to average, with highs in the 55-60F range.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Sunday and Monday now look mainly dry, with a mix of sun and clouds and highs in the mid-upper 50s. Slight chance of showers for Election Day next Tuesday, with highs in the mid-upper 50s. Cooler next Wednesday with isolated showers possible and highs in the upper 40s to near 50F.

Have a great Tuesday night! -Meteorologist Bill Graul