Indianapolis, Indiana – A noticeable shift away from persistent winter cold is expected across Indiana by Thursday as temperatures rise above freezing, setting up a mid-February thaw that could quickly change road and travel conditions statewide.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 8–14 day outlook valid from Friday, February 13 through Thursday, February 19 favors above-normal temperatures across much of Indiana. Daytime highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 30s beginning Thursday, accelerating snowmelt on highways, residential streets, and parking lots.
Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Lafayette, Bloomington, and Evansville all fall within the warmer-than-average signal, with even northern Indiana trending milder than seasonal norms. Overnight lows are also forecast to moderate closer to freezing, reducing extreme cold but increasing the risk of refreezing where meltwater remains after sunset.
Precipitation probabilities trend near to slightly above normal during this period, opening the door for rain or a rain-snow mix as warmer air pushes into the Ohio Valley. The Indiana Department of Transportation notes that major corridors including I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74, and the Indiana Toll Road could see slushy conditions, standing water, and slick spots during the morning and evening commute windows, especially on bridges and overpasses.
The milder pattern is expected to persist into the middle of next week. Residents should stay alert for updated advisories, as additional short-term alerts may be issued if precipitation timing or refreeze risks become clearer across Indiana.
