Indianapolis, IN – Hoosiers hoping for a white Christmas may be disappointed this year, as unseasonably warm temperatures are expected to dominate the forecast through Christmas Day and beyond.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, confidence is high that above-normal temperatures will persist through Christmas week and into the New Year. Daytime highs on Christmas Day are forecast to climb into the low to mid-60s, putting parts of Indiana near record high temperatures for late December. Normal highs for this time of year typically range from 35 to 40 degrees.
Forecast maps show widespread warmth across central and southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, Lafayette, Bloomington, Terre Haute, Muncie, and Columbus. Several locations could see highs in the mid-60s, a dramatic departure from typical winter conditions.
In addition to the warmth, chances for light rain are included in the forecast around Christmas Day. While widespread heavy rain is not expected at this time, any precipitation that develops will fall as rain rather than snow, further reducing the odds of a white Christmas.
The warmer-than-normal pattern is expected to continue beyond Christmas, potentially closing out December with temperatures more typical of early spring than winter. Forecasters note that details regarding rainfall timing and coverage will be refined over the next several days.
For holiday travelers, the mild conditions should limit winter travel hazards, though residents are encouraged to stay updated on changing rain chances as Christmas approaches.
