Indianapolis, IN – Indiana enters the holiday window under NOAA’s “equal chances” temperature forecast, but forecasters say residents should still prepare for periodic snow and mixed precipitation between December 20 and January 2. With Christmas and New Years falling inside this period, holiday travel may face wintry challenges statewide.
According to NOAA, Indiana sits within a wide EC zone stretching from Washington to New Jersey, giving temperatures equal odds of trending warmer or colder depending on storm timing. Even so, Indiana’s late-December climate supports snow potential, especially for northern and central counties during overnight hours and following cold fronts.
Precipitation outlooks also place Indiana in an equal-chances zone, meaning seasonal-level moisture is expected. At this time of year, typical precipitation patterns often produce snow across northern Indiana and rain-to-snow or mixed precipitation across southern counties.
Communities across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington, Lafayette, and along I-65 and I-69 should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility, and shifting precipitation types through the Dec. 20–Jan. 2 window. Northern regions—including South Bend, Elkhart, and the Lake Michigan shoreline—may see enhanced snow potential if lake-effect bands develop behind passing systems.
Central Indiana, including the Indianapolis metro, may experience several rounds of light to moderate snow or mixed precipitation, depending on temperature swings. Southern Indiana could see more mixing, but brief cold shots may still lead to accumulating snow.
If system timing aligns with colder air, Indiana retains the possibility of a White Christmas and a wintry New Years period, especially north of I-70.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as storm details become clearer.
