038
FXUS63 KARX 220622
AFDARX

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
122 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 /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 121 AM CDT Sat Aug 22 2026

VFR conditions expected through the period outside of the
Wisconsin River valley, where fog may develop overnight tonight.
Northwesterly wind direction should keep this from spreading to
the Mississippi and LSE. Expect some gusts to 20-25 knots during
the afternoon tomorrow.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...None.
MN...None.
IA...None.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Cecava
AVIATION...Ferguson