Indiana wakes up to a sharp, stinging cold that cuts through layers within minutes. Wind rattles bare trees, loose snow skims across pavement, and exposed skin numbs fast. This is the coldest air Indianapolis has felt so far this season, and conditions remain dangerous through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, temperatures stay in the single digits much of today, while winds of 10 to 20 mph drive wind chill values between -10° and -25°. These are the lowest wind chills of the winter so far, and even brief exposure can become unsafe without proper protection.
High temperatures only reach near 10 degrees, offering little relief through the afternoon. Wind chills remain well below zero, especially north and west of downtown and across open areas. Anyone commuting, working outdoors, or waiting at bus stops faces an elevated risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Drivers should also watch for black ice, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. Any melting during daylight can refreeze quickly after sunset, creating slick travel conditions just as evening traffic increases. Plan extra time and keep your gas tank and phone charged.
This blast of cold arrives during the week before Christmas, when holiday travel and school breaks accelerate. Residents are urged to protect the four Ps: people, pets, plants, and pipes. Bring pets indoors, drip faucets overnight, and wear multiple layers with hats and gloves if heading outside.
Looking ahead, Monday morning remains bitterly cold, though winds gradually ease. Temperatures begin a slow moderation by Tuesday, signaling a gradual exit from this Arctic pattern.
