Indianapolis, Indiana – Colder air settling into the Midwest during the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day could flip part of Indiana’s next storm system from rain to wet snow, particularly across northern and central counties between March 11 and March 17.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Indiana sits in a 40-50% probability zone for above-normal precipitation during the 8-14 day window, while much of the state trends near to below normal on temperatures. That colder signal stretches from Minnesota and Wisconsin south into Illinois and northern Missouri, increasing the likelihood that nighttime and early morning precipitation falls as snow.
Statewide, multiple systems are expected to track from the Plains into the Ohio Valley. In Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Lafayette, overnight lows dipping into the low to mid-30s could allow slushy accumulation on grassy and elevated surfaces if heavier precipitation develops. Along the I-70 corridor, including Terre Haute and Richmond, rain may mix with snow during early morning hours. Farther south toward Evansville and Louisville’s northern suburbs, rain remains more likely, though brief mix-ins cannot be ruled out during peak intensity.
The broader eastern United States is favored to see wetter-than-normal conditions, while California and much of the Southwest trend drier, creating a sharp contrast in the national pattern.
Hoosiers should monitor morning road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses where surface temperatures cool fastest. Even light accumulation can create slick spots during the commute. Additional updates are expected as confidence increases closer to the March 11-17 period.
