FORT WAYNE, IN – Wind rattles signs and scatters the last of the autumn leaves across parking lots this morning as temperatures hover in the 30s and gusty southwest winds near 40 mph push through northern Indiana. The National Weather Service warns that the breezy, damp pattern will set the stage for a series of fast-moving winter systems later this week — including accumulating snow and a powerful blast of Arctic air.
Rain transitions to scattered snow by late today, though the bigger story arrives Thursday night into Friday, when a quick clipper system could bring a few inches of snow to the Fort Wayne area and neighboring Ohio counties. Winds may reduce visibility at times, especially along I-69, I-80, and U.S. 30, where drifting snow could create slick travel conditions into early Friday.
The second system sweeps in Saturday, reinforcing the cold. Behind it, temperatures plunge into the single digits with wind chills from 0 to -15°F expected Saturday night and Sunday morning — the coldest readings so far this season.
Meteorologists urge residents to bundle up, prepare for flash freezing, and check on neighbors who may be without reliable heat. The pattern stays wintry into next week, with highs struggling to climb above freezing through Tuesday.
Five-Day Outlook (Fort Wayne, IN):
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high 27°F, low 17°F.
- Friday: Chance of snow, high 29°F, low 11°F.
- Saturday: Light snow possible, high 18°F, low 6°F.
- Sunday: Mostly clear, high 21°F, low 4°F.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 28°F.
