Indianapolis, IN – Indiana is preparing for a stretch of wintry weather from December 18–24, with NOAA’s long-range outlook showing above-normal precipitation paired with temperatures hovering near or slightly above normal in the south. This pattern increases the risk for snow, freezing rain, sleet, and mixed precipitation, especially heading into Christmas Eve.
According to NOAA, northern Indiana—including South Bend, Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and the Michigan border counties—sits closest to the cooler-temperature zone. This region is most likely to see accumulating snow, with lake-enhancement possible at times from December 20–22. Snow may mix with sleet or freezing rain during warmer periods but should remain mostly wintry throughout the week.
Central Indiana—including Indianapolis, Anderson, Kokomo, and Muncie—is positioned in the highest-risk band for freezing rain. Surface temperatures are expected to hover near freezing during early phases of storms, allowing sleet or glaze ice to develop between December 19–21. Even light ice could cause dangerous conditions on untreated roads during morning commutes.
Southern Indiana—including Evansville, Bloomington, New Albany, and Terre Haute—leans warmer, favoring cold rain during most events. However, colder air slipping southward by December 22–24 may allow precipitation to end as wet snow or a brief wintry mix just before Christmas Eve.
Major travel routes—including I-65, I-70, I-69, I-74, and U.S. 41—may face slick roads, icy bridges, and reduced visibility, especially December 21–24 when storm impacts are expected to peak.
