FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Strong winds and falling temperatures are bringing a wintry edge to northern Indiana on Thursday, raising the risk of slick roads and difficult travel in the Fort Wayne area before conditions improve ahead of Christmas Eve.
According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph are expected through Thursday afternoon and evening, with isolated gusts near 45 mph possible, especially south of U.S. 30. Showers will develop through the day, and as temperatures fall rapidly after sunset, rain may change to snow or briefly freeze on untreated roads.
Forecasters warn that earlier rainfall combined with dropping temperatures could lead to patches of ice overnight, particularly on bridges, overpasses and secondary roads. Wind chills by Friday morning are expected to fall near zero, creating a harsh start to the day for commuters. While snow accumulations are expected to remain light, even small amounts could contribute to slick travel conditions.
Friday will be colder and blustery, with highs only reaching the mid-20s. Clouds will linger through the day, and a slight chance of snow showers remains in the morning before skies gradually improve. Friday night will be cold, with lows dipping into the lower 20s as winds ease.
The weekend forecast shows a gradual moderation. Saturday is expected to be mostly cloudy with highs in the low 40s, followed by a colder but sunnier Sunday with highs near 30. Travel conditions should steadily improve after Friday as winds diminish and precipitation moves out of the region.
Looking ahead, Christmas Eve falls on Wednesday, and early forecasts suggest a quieter and milder pattern settling into northern Indiana. Temperatures are projected to rebound into the lower to mid-40s by midweek, with mostly dry conditions expected. Winds should be light, offering favorable travel weather for holiday gatherings.
While details may still change, meteorologists say the trend toward calmer weather by Christmas Eve is encouraging after several days of gusty winds and wintry hazards across the region. Residents are advised to remain cautious through Friday and monitor updated forecasts as the holiday approaches.
