Indianapolis, Indiana – A dangerous blast of Arctic air will grip central Indiana overnight, bringing life-threatening wind chills as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero and prompting an Extreme Cold Warning through Sunday morning.
The coldest conditions are expected between midnight tonight and 11 a.m. Sunday, when northwest winds combine with falling temperatures to produce the most severe wind chills of the season so far. Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Lafayette, Kokomo, Terre Haute, and surrounding communities are all included. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes during this time.
According to the National Weather Service office in Indianapolis, once the Extreme Cold Warning expires late Sunday morning, conditions will remain hazardous. A Cold Weather Advisory will take effect from 11 a.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday, with wind chills still ranging from 10 to 16 degrees below zero across much of central, north central, and west central Indiana.
These prolonged cold conditions will impact travel, outdoor work, and vulnerable populations. Vehicles may struggle to start, and prolonged exposure could quickly become dangerous. Schools, churches, and outdoor events may need to adjust plans due to the cold, especially Sunday morning.
Residents are urged to dress in multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings. According to emergency management officials, pets should be brought indoors, and exposed pipes should be protected to reduce the risk of freezing. Anyone who must be outdoors should limit time outside and take frequent breaks to warm up.
The cold will slowly ease late Monday, but temperatures will remain well below seasonal averages into early next week.
