Indiana wakes to clear skies and sharp cold across the Fort Wayne area. The air feels brittle. Windshields scrape slowly. That quiet winter morning hides a developing December weather shift that turns active by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures rebound modestly Wednesday under partial sunshine. Highs climb into the upper 30s, easing the cold snap briefly. Roads remain dry through most of the day, keeping travel manageable across Allen County.
Changes arrive late Wednesday night. Clouds thicken, and rain chances increase toward morning. By Thursday, steady rain spreads across northeast Indiana, soaking pavement through the afternoon. Temperatures rise near 49 degrees, which may feel mild but sets the stage for problems later.
Conditions deteriorate quickly after sunset Thursday. Colder air pushes in behind the rain, allowing temperatures to fall into the low 20s. Rain may briefly mix with snow before ending. Accumulation looks limited, but timing matters more than totals this time of year.
Any moisture left on roads could refreeze fast. Black ice may develop on bridges, overpasses, and untreated neighborhood streets. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and stay alert during evening and early morning travel. Routes like I-69, I-469, and US-30 could see slick spots develop with little warning.
Friday turns colder and quieter. Clouds linger, and highs struggle to reach the upper 20s. The weekend looks calmer overall, with gradual warming by Saturday and highs near the low 40s. Nights remain cold, keeping winter firmly in control as Christmas travel plans begin.
Meteorologists say this pattern reflects an early winter transition across the Midwest. Mild air exits quickly, and cold reasserts itself just as fast.
5-Day Outlook for Fort Wayne
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 38
- Thursday: Rain likely, high near 49
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, high near 27
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 42
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 35
