INDIANAPOLIS — Gusty winds and unsettled weather are impacting central Indiana on Thursday, as a strong system moves through the region bringing periods of rain, scattered showers and sharply falling temperatures by nightfall.
Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible across the Indianapolis area this afternoon, particularly along and north of Interstate 70, according to the National Weather Service. Showers are expected through much of the day, with a few isolated thunderstorms not out of the question. Motorists are urged to use caution, especially during heavier downpours and strong crosswinds, and residents are advised to secure loose outdoor decorations.
As colder air rushes in behind the system tonight, rain will transition to scattered snow showers. While significant accumulation is not expected, slick spots could develop late tonight into early Friday, particularly on bridges and untreated roads. Temperatures are forecast to fall into the teens overnight, marking a sharp change from the mild conditions earlier in the day.
Friday will feel more like winter, with blustery conditions lingering early and highs struggling to reach the upper 20s. Skies gradually clear, setting the stage for a calmer and sunnier weekend. Saturday brings moderating temperatures near the mid-40s, followed by sunny but cooler conditions Sunday with highs in the mid-30s.
Looking ahead to the holiday week, forecasters say travel conditions should generally improve. Christmas Eve, which falls on Wednesday, is shaping up to be relatively quiet across Indianapolis, with no major storms currently expected. Early indications point to dry weather, mostly cloudy skies and seasonably cool temperatures, favorable for last-minute shopping and holiday travel.
Weather officials caution that forecasts can change several days out but note that, for now, the outlook for Christmas Eve appears far calmer than Thursday’s blustery conditions.
