So, you’re looking at the sky in Indy and wondering if you actually need the heavy parka or if that light puffer will do. Honestly, if you've lived here long enough, you know the drill. The weather in Central Indiana doesn't just change; it pivots like a nervous point guard at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Today, January 15, 2026, we’re dealing with a classic mid-winter setup. It’s cold. Not "end of the world" cold, but the kind of cold that bites at your ears if you're standing out on Georgia Street for more than five minutes. We’re coming off a night where the wind chill flirted with zero, and while the sun is trying its best, it’s mostly a decorative feature today.
The real-time breakdown: Hour by hour weather Indianapolis
If you’re planning your day, here’s the gritty reality of what it’s actually going to feel like out there. Forget the "official" high for a second; let's talk about the experience of being outside.
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: We started the morning around 18°F, but with the northwest wind kicking at 12 mph, it felt closer to 5°F. If you’re heading to work, let the car warm up. The sky is mostly cloudy, and there’s a lingering 10% chance of a stray flake or two left over from last night’s minor dust-up.
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: This is the "peak" of our daylight, such as it is. Temperatures should crawl up toward 23°F. We might see some peeks of blue sky as the cloud deck breaks up. It’s deceptive. You’ll see the sun and think, "Oh, maybe it’s warming up." It’s not. The wind is still coming off the plains, and that west breeze will keep the "feels like" temp in the low teens.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: We hit our projected high of 27°F. This is about as good as it gets today. If you have errands, do them now. The air is dry—humidity is hovering around 48%—which means static electricity is going to be a nightmare.
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Sunset is around 5:45 PM. Once that light goes, the floor drops out. We’ll slide back into the lower 20s fast. Clouds will start moving back in from the west.
- 8:00 PM – Midnight: We’re looking at 19°F to 17°F. There’s a slight bump in precipitation chances (about 20%) late tonight. Don’t expect a blizzard, but some light snow showers or "Indiana dandruff" might coat the windshields by morning.
Why Indianapolis weather is so unpredictable
People always joke that if you don't like the weather here, just wait an hour. It’s a cliché because it’s true. Indianapolis sits in a weird geographical "no man's land." We don't have mountains to block the arctic air coming down from Canada, and we don't have a large body of water (sorry, Eagle Creek doesn't count) to regulate the temperature.
We are perfectly positioned to get smacked by the "clipper" systems that dive down from the north. This is why our hour by hour weather Indianapolis forecasts often show those dramatic 20-degree swings. According to the National Weather Service, January is historically our snowiest month, averaging about 8.8 inches. But that average is a lie. Usually, we get five inches in one go and then a bunch of "nuisance" dustings that just make the Interstates greasy.
The wind chill factor: Your true enemy
In Indy, the thermometer is a liar. The "feels like" temperature—or wind chill—is what actually dictates your misery level. Today’s wind is coming from the west/northwest at about 11 mph. That sounds gentle, right? Wrong. In 20-degree weather, an 11 mph wind strips the heat right off your body.
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If you’re walking from a parking garage to the Salesforce Tower, that wind tunnels through the buildings. It can easily feel 10 degrees colder in the shadows of the skyscrapers than it does in a suburban backyard in Fishers or Greenwood.
What to actually wear today
Look, I’m not your mom, but don't go out in a hoodie today.
- Layers are everything: A thermal base layer is a lifesaver. You want something that wicks moisture because if you sweat while walking and then stand still, you’re going to freeze.
- The "Wind-Blocker": Your outer shell needs to be wind-resistant. A wool coat looks sharp, but if the wind can blow through the weave, you’ll be shivering by the time you reach the Circle.
- Footwear: It’s dry now, but that 20% chance of snow tonight means the sidewalks could be slick by late evening. Wear something with tread.
Looking ahead: The "Friday Warm-up"
There’s a bit of a silver lining if you can make it through today. Tomorrow, January 16, the wind shifts to the southwest. We’re actually looking at a high near 39°F. That’s a 12-degree jump in 24 hours. Of course, that comes with more clouds and a better chance of snow or a wintry mix late Friday night, because Indianapolis simply refuses to let us be happy for too long.
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By Saturday and Sunday, we’re right back into the freezer with highs in the mid-20s. Sunday morning might even see single digits. This is the "January Rollercoaster" that defines life in the 317.
Actionable steps for the next 24 hours
Check your tire pressure. Cold air makes the air inside your tires contract, and that annoying "low pressure" light loves to pop up on mornings like this. Also, keep an eye on the evening commute; while the snow chance is low (20%), it only takes a tiny bit of moisture on a cold road to turn I-465 into a skating rink.
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Fill up your washer fluid too. The salt trucks have been out, and that grey "Indy slush" will coat your windshield the second you get behind a semi-truck. Stay warm, keep the coffee hot, and remember that we’re only about 60 days away from some actual spring-like weather. Sorta.
Next steps for staying safe:
- Check the NWS Indianapolis radar before headed out for your evening commute.
- Ensure your home’s humidifier is running to combat the 40% humidity levels.
- Monitor your pets' paws if they've been walking on salted sidewalks.