Indiana wakes up under gray skies and damp pavement, with winter quietly testing its grip. Cool air hangs over central Indiana this morning, and while travel starts calmly, changes build fast as the week unfolds.
According to the National Weather Service, Indianapolis begins the day near 40 degrees with clouds slowly breaking. Winds stay noticeable at times, helping roads dry briefly by midday. That window closes quickly. Rain moves in Thursday with gusty winds, soaking pavement and lowering visibility during peak travel hours. Drivers should plan extra time and keep headlights on through the afternoon.
By Thursday evening, colder air presses in. Temperatures slide toward the freezing mark, opening the door for a rain-to-snow change late Thursday night into early Friday. Accumulations in Indianapolis appear limited for now, but light snow or a brief mix could create slick spots, especially on bridges and untreated roads. This is the setup where black ice forms quickly after moisture freezes.
Friday stays colder, with highs near 30 degrees and a brisk feel. Roads may look clear but remain slippery early, particularly before sunrise. Crews across the Midwest are watching a much larger winter storm expected to bring heavy snow—possibly more than eight inches—to parts of Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and Michigan beginning Friday night. While central Indiana sits south of the heaviest snow, this system signals a true winter pattern shift.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, temperatures rebound slightly over the weekend. Saturday turns milder with clouds, followed by another light snow or rain-snow chance Saturday night as colder air returns. Sunday trends drier but chilly, a reminder that winter driving conditions can change quickly.
Five-Day Snapshot for Indianapolis
- Today: Cloudy early, gradual clearing, high near 44
- Thursday: Rain and wind, high near 52
- Friday: Colder, partly sunny, high near 30
- Saturday: Milder, mostly sunny, high near 46
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, colder, high near 38
