Fort Wayne, Indiana – A brief winter thaw is expected to impact northern Indiana Tuesday afternoon, bringing above-freezing temperatures and changing road conditions near I-69 and surrounding highways.
According to the National Weather Service Northern Indiana, filtered sunshine will move through high clouds Monday as temperatures remain near or slightly below freezing across much of the region. Southern portions of the forecast area are expected to climb just above freezing, while areas closer to the Michigan border remain colder.
Conditions change Tuesday as warmer air moves in ahead of an approaching cold front. Forecast highs are expected to reach the upper 30s to lower 40s, especially across southern and west-central portions of northern Indiana. Locations near Fort Wayne, Huntington, Peru, and Lafayette may see the most noticeable temperature increase.
The warming trend may lead to melting snow and slush on roadways, particularly along Interstate 69, Interstate 469, U.S. Route 30, and other heavily traveled corridors. While no precipitation is currently indicated, melting during the afternoon followed by cooling later could create damp or slick spots in shaded areas.
Forecasters also note breezy conditions Tuesday afternoon as the cold front approaches, which may accelerate snowmelt in open areas but reduce visibility slightly for high-profile vehicles along east-west routes.
Southern Michigan and far northern Indiana communities may remain cooler, with highs closer to the 30s, limiting the extent of thaw in those locations. Temperatures are expected to fall back toward seasonal levels after the front passes.
Commuters, students, and delivery drivers should be alert for changing road conditions Tuesday afternoon and evening, especially where melting snow refreezes after sunset.
