If you’ve lived in Central Indiana for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up, check the 16°F reading on your phone, and realize the "feels like" is actually a biting 4°F. That’s the reality this Thursday, January 15, 2026. Honestly, the 7 day forecast indianapolis indiana right now looks like someone trapped the city inside a shaken-up snow globe. It’s not just about the cold; it’s the constant, swirling uncertainty of clipper systems and lake-effect leftovers.
We’re basically living through a classic Midwestern winter "rinse and repeat" cycle.
Today starts out mostly cloudy with a high struggling to reach 27°F. Northwest winds are hovering around 10 mph, which doesn't sound like much until it hits your face. By tonight, things get a bit more interesting. Snow showers are likely after 2 a.m., with a 35% chance of precipitation and lows bottoming out at 16°F. It’s the kind of weather where you think you're fine with a light jacket until you actually step outside and your nose hairs freeze instantly.
The Weekend Rollercoaster: Rain, Snow, and Single Digits
Friday is looking like the messy middle child of this forecast. We're expecting a "winter mix"—that lovely combination of rain and snow—as the temperature climbs to a whopping 37°F. You’d think 37°F would feel warm after the teens, but with 68% humidity and southwest winds at 13 mph, it’s just going to be damp and miserable.
Saturday drops us back into the freezer.
The high only hits 27°F, and we’ve got a 35% chance of snow showers during the day. If you’re planning to be out, the wind switches to the west, keeping that bite in the air. By Saturday night, the clouds break a bit, but that just lets all the heat escape, leaving us with a low of 13°F. Sunday follows a similar script: light snow, a high of 24°F, and another 13°F night.
Why This Forecast is Sneakier Than a Blizzard
Most people look for the "big one"—the massive snowstorm that shuts down I-465 and cancels school for three days. But this week isn't that. Instead, we’re dealing with "clippers." These are fast-moving, moisture-starved systems that don't drop a foot of snow but do manage to turn the morning commute into a skating rink.
- Monday, Jan 19: High of 15°F, Low of 5°F. Yes, single digits.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: High of 21°F, Low of 5°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: High of 32°F, Low of 21°F.
Monday is Martin Luther King Day, and if you're heading to any local events, be ready for 17 mph winds. It’s going to be brutal. Even with partly sunny skies, a 15-degree high with that kind of wind is no joke. National Weather Service data suggests wind chills could dip near -10°F during this stretch. Honestly, just stay inside if you can.
The Pothole Factor
You’ve probably noticed the roads are already starting to crumble. This specific 7 day forecast indianapolis indiana is a nightmare for Indianapolis DPW. When we go from 37°F on Friday (melting) to 13°F on Saturday (freezing), the water gets into the cracks in the asphalt and expands. That’s how we get those tire-popping craters on Fall Creek Parkway or Binford Blvd.
It's a vicious cycle.
Survival Tips for the Next Week
Forget the fancy fashion. This week is about survival and not sliding into a ditch. First off, check your tire pressure. Cold air makes the pressure drop, and you don't want to be dealing with a "low tire" light when it's 5°F outside.
Also, layers are your best friend.
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Don't just wear one heavy coat. Wear a base layer that wicks moisture, a fleece or sweater, and then the windproof outer shell. Since the humidity is staying relatively high (averaging around 50-60%), the cold is going to feel "wet" and heavy.
Actionable Next Steps
- Prep the car: Make sure you have an ice scraper, a small shovel, and maybe a blanket in the trunk. If a clipper hits while you're at work, you'll need them.
- Pet Safety: With lows hitting 5°F on Monday and Tuesday, keep the walks short. If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt, it’s probably too cold for your dog’s paws.
- Home Maintenance: If your house is prone to drafty pipes, keep the cabinets under the sinks open during those 5°F nights. It’s better than dealing with a burst pipe on Tuesday morning.
The jet stream is supposed to push back north late next week, which might give us a break. Until then, keep the salt handy and the coffee hot.
Check your local radar before the Friday morning commute—that rain/snow mix at 37°F is the perfect recipe for "black ice" on overpasses and ramps. Stay safe out there.