Alert archive / Iowa / Extreme Cold Warnings in 2025

Extreme Cold Warning 2, NWS La Crosse, WI

February 17, 20255 counties in Wisconsin; 7 counties in Minnesota; 8 counties in Iowa

NWS La Crosse, WI issued this extreme cold warning at Feb 17, 2025, 3:25 AM CST for 5 counties in Wisconsin; 7 counties in Minnesota; 8 counties in Iowa. It took effect at Feb 17, 2025, 9:00 PM CST. It was in force for 13 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 17, 2025, 3:25 AM CST (09:25 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 17, 2025, 9:00 PM CST
Expired
Feb 18, 2025, 10:00 AM CST
In force
13 hr
Issued by
NWS La Crosse, WI

Counties Allamakee County, IA, Chickasaw County, IA, Clayton County, IA, Fayette County, IA, Floyd County, IA, Howard County, IA, Mitchell County, IA, Winneshiek County, IA, Dodge County, MN, Fillmore County, MN, Houston County, MN, Mower County, MN, Olmsted County, MN, Wabasha County, MN, Winona County, MN, Buffalo County, WI, Clark County, WI, Jackson County, WI, Taylor County, WI, Trempealeau County, WI

The radar

The La Crosse radar (KARX), 54 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 09:24 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 9.4 hours before the alert went out and 183 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-02-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-02-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 49 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1012 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
56 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
49 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
143 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

419 
WWUS73 KARX 170925
NPWARX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
325 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

IAZ008-009-018-019-MNZ086-087-094-095-171800-
/O.UPG.KARX.EC.A.0001.250218T0600Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.NEW.KARX.EC.W.0002.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.EXT.KARX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/
Mitchell-Howard-Floyd-Chickasaw-Dodge-Olmsted-Mower-Fillmore-
Including the cities of New Hampton, Preston, Rochester, Dodge
Center, Austin, Cresco, Osage, and Charles City
325 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM 
CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low 
  as 35 below expected. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously 
  cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected.

* WHERE...In Iowa, Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard Counties. 
  In Minnesota, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, and Olmsted Counties.

* WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. 
  For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST 
  Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. 
  Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged 
  exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

IAZ010-011-029-030-MNZ079-088-096-WIZ017-029-032>034-171800-
/O.UPG.KARX.EC.A.0001.250218T0600Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.NEW.KARX.EC.W.0002.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250217T1700Z/
Winneshiek-Allamakee-Fayette-Clayton-Wabasha-Winona-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
Including the cities of Decorah, Elkader, Alma, Whitehall,
Medford, Arcadia, Caledonia, Black River Falls, Oelwein, Winona,
Waukon, Neillsville, and Wabasha
325 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM 
CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low 
  as 35 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind 
  chills as low as 40 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and 
  central, north central, and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 11 AM CST this 
  morning. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 
  10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. 
  Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged 
  exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-171800-
/O.NEW.KARX.CW.Y.0008.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250217T1700Z/
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
Including the cities of Tomah, Viroqua, Prairie Du Chien,
Richland Center, Mauston, Platteville, Sparta, La Crosse, and
Friendship
325 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM 
CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Cold Weather Advisory this morning, very cold 
  wind chills as low as 30 below. For the second Cold Weather 
  Advisory tonight and Tuesday morning, very cold wind chills as low 
  as 35 below expected.

* WHERE...Adams, Juneau, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Vernon, La 
  Crosse, and Monroe Counties.

* WHEN...For the first Cold Weather Advisory, until 11 AM CST this 
  morning. For the second Cold Weather Advisory, from 9 PM this 
  evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. 
  Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged 
  exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

JAR
5 follow-up statements
280 
WWUS73 KARX 171747
NPWARX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1147 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

IAZ008-009-018-019-MNZ086-087-094-095-180200-
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/
Mitchell-Howard-Floyd-Chickasaw-Dodge-Olmsted-Mower-Fillmore-
Including the cities of Dodge Center, Charles City, New Hampton,
Rochester, Austin, Cresco, Preston, and Osage
1147 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS 
EVENING...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low 
  as 35 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind 
  chills as low as 40 below expected.

* WHERE...In Iowa, Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard Counties. 
  In Minnesota, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, and Olmsted Counties.

* WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. 
  For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST 
  Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

IAZ010-011-029-030-MNZ079-088-096-WIZ017-029-032>034-180200-
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
Winneshiek-Allamakee-Fayette-Clayton-Wabasha-Winona-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
Including the cities of Oelwein, Black River Falls, Whitehall,
Waukon, Wabasha, Arcadia, Decorah, Elkader, Alma, Neillsville,
Medford, Caledonia, and Winona
1147 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and 
  central, north central, and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

&&

$$

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-180200-
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0008.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
Including the cities of Platteville, Friendship, Prairie Du
Chien, Richland Center, Mauston, Sparta, Viroqua, Tomah, and La
Crosse
1147 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 35 below expected.

* WHERE...Adams, Juneau, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Vernon, La 
  Crosse, and Monroe Counties.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

Falkinham
264 
WWUS73 KARX 180043
NPWARX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
643 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

IAZ008-009-018-019-MNZ086-087-094-095-180845-
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/
Mitchell-Howard-Floyd-Chickasaw-Dodge-Olmsted-Mower-Fillmore-
Including the cities of Rochester, Charles City, New Hampton,
Dodge Center, Osage, Austin, Cresco, and Preston
643 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS 
EVENING...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low 
  as 35 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind 
  chills as low as 40 below expected.

* WHERE...In Iowa, Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard Counties. 
  In Minnesota, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, and Olmsted Counties.

* WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. 
  For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

IAZ010-011-029-030-MNZ079-088-096-WIZ017-029-032>034-180845-
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
Winneshiek-Allamakee-Fayette-Clayton-Wabasha-Winona-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
Including the cities of Waukon, Oelwein, Arcadia, Whitehall,
Neillsville, Caledonia, Alma, Winona, Decorah, Black River Falls,
Elkader, Wabasha, and Medford
643 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and 
  central, north central, and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

&&

$$

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-180845-
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0008.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
Including the cities of Mauston, Richland Center, Sparta,
Platteville, Prairie Du Chien, La Crosse, Tomah, Viroqua, and
Friendship
643 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 35 below expected.

* WHERE...Adams, Juneau, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Vernon, La 
  Crosse, and Monroe Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

JSB
566 
WWUS73 KARX 180302
NPWARX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
902 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

IAZ008-009-018-019-MNZ086-087-094-095-181600-
/O.EXP.KARX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Mitchell-Howard-Floyd-Chickasaw-Dodge-Olmsted-Mower-Fillmore-
Including the cities of Rochester, Charles City, New Hampton,
Dodge Center, Osage, Austin, Cresco, and Preston
902 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below.

* WHERE...In Iowa, Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard Counties. 
  In Minnesota, Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, and Olmsted Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

&&

$$

IAZ010-011-029-030-MNZ079-088-096-WIZ017-029-032>034-181600-
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Winneshiek-Allamakee-Fayette-Clayton-Wabasha-Winona-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
Including the cities of Waukon, Oelwein, Arcadia, Whitehall,
Neillsville, Caledonia, Alma, Winona, Decorah, Black River Falls,
Elkader, Wabasha, and Medford
902 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and 
  central, north central, and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

&&

$$

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-181600-
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
Including the cities of Mauston, Richland Center, Sparta,
Platteville, Prairie Du Chien, La Crosse, Tomah, Viroqua, and
Friendship
902 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 35 below.

* WHERE...Adams, Juneau, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Vernon, La 
  Crosse, and Monroe Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

JSB
695 
WWUS73 KARX 180833
NPWARX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
233 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-182100-
/O.NEW.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0000Z-250219T1800Z/
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette-
Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Including the cities of Austin, Dodge Center, Charles City,
Oelwein, Winona, Preston, Waukon, New Hampton, Rochester,
Elkader, Cresco, Osage, Caledonia, Decorah, and Wabasha
233 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON 
CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills 
  as low as 40 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind 
  chills as low as 34 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Iowa and southeast 
  Minnesota.

* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this morning. 
  For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 6 PM this evening to noon CST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ017-029-182100-
/O.NEW.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Taylor-Clark-
Including the cities of Medford and Neillsville
233 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills 
  as low as 37 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind 
  chills as low as 28 below expected.

* WHERE...Clark and Taylor Counties.

* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this morning. 
  For the Cold Weather Advisory, from midnight tonight to 9 AM CST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ032>034-182100-
/O.NEW.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0600Z-250219T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
Including the cities of Alma, Whitehall, Arcadia, and Black River
Falls
233 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM 
CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills 
  as low as 36 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind 
  chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Buffalo, Jackson, and Trempealeau Counties.

* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this morning. 
  For the Cold Weather Advisory, from midnight tonight to 10 AM CST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-182100-
/O.NEW.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0600Z-250219T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
Including the cities of Tomah, Prairie Du Chien, Viroqua,
Friendship, Richland Center, Sparta, La Crosse, Platteville, and
Mauston
233 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM 
CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills 
  as low as 34 below. For the second Cold Weather Advisory, very 
  cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Adams, Juneau, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Vernon, La 
  Crosse, and Monroe Counties.

* WHEN...For the first Cold Weather Advisory, until 10 AM CST this 
  morning. For the second Cold Weather Advisory, from midnight 
  tonight to 10 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

KB
075 
WWUS73 KARX 181610
NPWARX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1010 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-191000-
/O.EXP.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0000Z-250219T1800Z/
Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette-
Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Including the cities of Elkader, Waukon, Preston, Wabasha,
Rochester, Winona, Osage, Caledonia, Decorah, Cresco, New
Hampton, Dodge Center, Austin, Charles City, and Oelwein
1010 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 
NOON CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 34 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Iowa and southeast 
  Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 34 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ017-029-191000-
/O.EXP.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/
Taylor-Clark-
Including the cities of Medford and Neillsville
1010 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 
9 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Clark and Taylor Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ032>034-191000-
/O.EXP.KARX.EC.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0600Z-250219T1600Z/
Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
Including the cities of Black River Falls, Alma, Arcadia, and
Whitehall
1010 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 
10 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Buffalo, Jackson, and Trempealeau Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-191000-
/O.EXP.KARX.CW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KARX.CW.Y.0009.250219T0600Z-250219T1600Z/
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
Including the cities of Friendship, Viroqua, La Crosse, Richland
Center, Platteville, Sparta, Tomah, Mauston, and Prairie Du Chien
1010 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 
10 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Adams, Juneau, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Vernon, La 
  Crosse, and Monroe Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

Kurz

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this extreme cold warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS La Crosse, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before this extreme cold warning went out at Feb 16, 10:47 PM CST, 4 hours 38 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Dangerous cold is expected over the next several days, with most of the area favored to experience wind chill values below -25 overnight tonight into Monday morning. Tuesday morning, areas west of the Mississippi and north of the I-90 corridor are favored to experience wind chills below -35.
  • Wednesday and Friday have small (10%) chances for snow.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 16, 10:47 PM CST, 4 hours 38 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1047 PM CST Sun Feb 16 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Dangerous cold is expected over the next several days, with
  most of the area favored to experience wind chill values below -25
  overnight tonight into Monday morning. Tuesday morning, areas
  west of the Mississippi and north of the I-90 corridor are
  favored to experience wind chills below -35.

- Wednesday and Friday have small (10%) chances for snow.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 222 PM CST Sun Feb 16 2025

Dangerous cold ahead:

19z visible satellite channels reveal clearer skies than previously
anticipated - both in our CWA and upstream and a fresh coat of snow
across much of the area. WV satellite shows a shortwave exiting to
our east and an upper low over Lake Winnipeg. At the surface, high
pressure is centered in the Canadian Prairies with an attendant
ridge extending southeastward to the central Plains. With low
pressure present to our southeast, northwesterly cold advection
continues.

Tonight into Monday morning, given the trend toward less sky cover,
have kept forecast toward the cold side of consensus blends,
undercutting NBM, resulting in forecast air temperatures of
around -10 to -15. As the aforementioned surface high to our
northwest continues to build, some pressure gradient will
remain, leading to a continued light breeze of 5 to 15 mph. This
should result in wind chills dropping near or below -25 across
most of the area. Have therefore retained the Cold Weather
Advisory for tonight into Monday morning. Of note, areas around
Rochester may (20-50%) drop below -35 for a couple hours around
sunrise Monday morning. Should confidence in this or probable
duration increase, would need to upgrade to an Extreme Cold
Warning in this area.

Monday night into Tuesday, high pressure to our northwest continues
to build. Thus, while surface low to our east will have shifted to
the Canadian Maritimes, enough gradient looks to remain for wind of
5 to 10 mph to occur. Additionally, progged moisture fields suggest
another mostly clear night will occur after little temperature
recovery occurs during the day Monday given the high albedo snow
covered surface. Thus, wind chills Monday night into Tuesday should
be even lower with values of -35 or below possible west of the
Mississippi and north of the I-90 corridor. Thus, have continued the
Extreme Cold Watch for Tuesday morning in those areas.

With the cold air mass in place, both Wednesday and Thursday
mornings may also experience dangerously cold wind chills as
interquartile low air temperatures remain largely around -5 to
-15. Confidence in exact placement of hazardous wind chills is
lower however, as there is potential for more cloudiness
compered to Monday and Tuesday mornings. As details become
clearer, additional cold weather headlines for these mornings
would be a good bet.

Upper low may finally depart the region Friday into Saturday, with
temperatures potentially (40-70%) rising above 20 Saturday afternoon.

Low potential for snow:

Upper waves Wednesday and Friday could presumably bring some
flurries/light snow to the region but struggles with moisture
suggest this is a low (10%) probability outcome. Therefore, no
precipitation has been included in the forecast over the next
seven days.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 1047 PM CST Sun Feb 16 2025

VFR conditions are expected through much of the TAF period with
ongoing clear skies anticipated to persist through much of the
overnight and into the morning hours. As we head towards afternoon,
deterministic soundings would support the possibility of a few low-
VFR to MVFR clouds during the afternoon as diurnal mixing
maximizes. However, the probabilities for a category reducing
deck in the 17.00z HREF are low (under 20% chance) at both TAF
sites. Otherwise, winds remain fairly steady from the northwest
at around 8-13 kts throughout the TAF period with occasional
gusts up to 20 kts possible.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Cold Weather Advisory until 11 AM CST Monday for WIZ017-029-
     032>034-041>044-053>055-061.
     Extreme Cold Watch from late Monday night through Tuesday
     morning for WIZ017-029-032>034.
MN...Cold Weather Advisory until 11 AM CST Monday for MNZ079-
     086>088-094>096.
     Extreme Cold Watch from late Monday night through Tuesday
     morning for MNZ079-086>088-094>096.
IA...Cold Weather Advisory until 11 AM CST Monday for IAZ008>011-
     018-019-029-030.
     Extreme Cold Watch from late Monday night through Tuesday
     morning for IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030.

&&

DISCUSSION...Ferguson
AVIATION...Naylor
Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 16, 2:34 PM CST, 12 hours 51 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
234 PM CST Sun Feb 16 2025

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-
032>034-180045-
Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette-
Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-
234 PM CST Sun Feb 16 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Minnesota...central Wisconsin...
north central Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect tonight into Monday morning
for wind chills under 25 below zero. See text product for
additional information.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday night

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect Monday morning for wind
chills under 25 below zero. See text product for additional
information.

An Extreme Cold Watch goes into effect Monday night through
Tuesday morning with forecasted wind chills from 30 to 40 below
zero. See associated text product for further information.

Wind chill temperatures from 20 to 35 below are possible
Wednesday and
Thursday morning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

No action needed.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

No webinar is scheduled.

WIZ041>044-053>055-061-180045-
La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
234 PM CST Sun Feb 16 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Wisconsin...southwest Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect tonight into Monday morning
for wind chills under 25 below zero. See text product for
additional information.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday night

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect Monday morning for wind
chills under 25 below zero. See text product for additional
information.

Wind chill temperatures from 20 to 35 below zero are possible
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

No action needed.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

No webinar is scheduled.

nofwd

The office that day

Everything else NWS La Crosse, WI issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 17, 3:25 AM CSTCold Weather AdvisoryARXAdams, Crawford, Grant, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe and 2 more31 hr

Nearby

Extreme Cold Warnings in Iowa, 2025Extreme Cold Warnings in Minnesota, 2025Extreme Cold Warnings in Wisconsin, 2025Every extreme cold warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.