Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana is settling into a prolonged stretch of punishing winter weather as Arctic air locks in across the state, with signs pointing to bitter cold lingering well into February. Temperatures are expected to plunge this weekend, with overnight lows dropping sharply statewide and colder pockets falling below zero, especially across northern and central Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, long-range outlooks from late January through mid-February strongly favor much below normal temperatures across the Midwest. This same Arctic pattern is driving extreme cold across the northern Plains and Great Lakes, with parts of Minnesota facing life-threatening lows near minus 60 degrees, while reinforcing persistent subzero air across Indiana.
The cold brings multiple hazards statewide. Snow and blowing snow remain possible at times, while icy roads develop during overnight periods as temperatures drop. Slick travel is likely along I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74, and U.S. 31, especially during early morning commutes. Rapid temperature drops also raise the risk of frost quakes, frozen pipes, vehicle failures, and increased strain on heating systems.
Looking ahead, only brief temperature moderation is possible at times, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, protect plumbing, prepare vehicles for extreme cold, and stay alert for additional winter weather advisories and cold alerts as this long-duration Arctic outbreak continues.
