Indianapolis, Indiana – An increasingly unsettled winter pattern may impact parts of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio late next week, with rain and snow chances rising to around 50 percent across the region between Jan 20 and Jan 26. The setup points to multiple opportunities for precipitation, with temperature swings keeping the region firmly in a transition zone.
According to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, the Ohio Valley and surrounding Midwest are now highlighted for a 50 percent chance of above-normal precipitation during the 8–14 day period. Temperature signals remain mixed, suggesting precipitation type will vary by location, elevation, and time of day as systems move through.
In Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend, periods of rain are possible during milder stretches, while colder air filtering in behind systems could allow rain to change to snow, especially overnight and early in the morning. Northern Indiana remains more susceptible to snow during colder windows.
Ohio faces a similar setup. Central and southern areas, including Columbus and Cincinnati, may see rain initially, with snow or mixed precipitation possible as temperatures drop. Northern Ohio, including Cleveland and Toledo, has a higher chance of snow, particularly if colder air locks in behind passing systems.
In Kentucky, rain is more likely overall, especially across Louisville, Lexington, and northern counties. However, brief snow or rain-snow mix cannot be ruled out during colder periods, mainly overnight.
Changing conditions could lead to slick roads along major corridors such as I-70, I-71, I-75, and I-65, particularly during commute hours. Residents should prepare for variable travel conditions and monitor updated outlooks. Confidence in timing and impacts will improve as the period approaches, and additional advisories may be issued as individual systems become better defined.
