579
FXUS63 KARX 221053
AFDARX

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
553 AM CDT Sat Aug 22 2026

.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.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Cecava
AVIATION...Ferguson