Fort Wayne, IN – A powerful Arctic blast will grip northern Indiana and northwest Ohio late Thursday into Friday morning, bringing bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Northern Indiana.
Forecasters say temperatures will plummet Thursday night, with lows expected to dip below zero across northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, particularly along and east of the I-69 corridor. Areas from Auburn and Fort Wayne to Bowling Green and Findlay have the highest risk for subzero lows, with probabilities ranging from 30% to 50%.
The NWS adds that when wind chills are factored in, it will feel as cold as -10°F early Friday morning. Residents in Fort Wayne, Auburn, and Toledo are urged to prepare for the coldest morning of the week, with temperatures struggling to rise above the teens later in the day.
Meteorologists warn that exposed skin can freeze within 30 minutes in these conditions. People heading outdoors are advised to wear multiple layers, cover extremities, and bring pets indoors. Homeowners should also protect pipes from freezing by letting faucets drip overnight and keeping cabinets open for airflow around plumbing.
Despite the frigid start, temperatures are expected to rebound slightly over the weekend, with highs returning to the upper 20s and low 30s by Saturday afternoon. Another chance for light snow could arrive late Sunday as a weak system moves through the Great Lakes.
