Indiana winters aren't just cold; they're moody. Honestly, if you've lived here for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you're scraping a thin glaze of ice off the windshield, and the next, the sun is mocking you through a biting 16 mph wind.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is exactly one of those days.
The Indiana weather forecast today is basically a masterclass in "dry cold" with a side of lingering lake effect paranoia. While we aren't looking at a repeat of the massive 20-inch dumps seen in La Porte County earlier this week, the air has a specific kind of bite that doesn't care about your fashion choices.
The Numbers You Actually Care About
Right now, the mercury is hovering around 31°F, but that's a lie. With the wind coming out of the southwest at 11 mph, it actually feels like 21°F. If you’re heading out for coffee or taking the dog for a quick run, that ten-degree gap is the difference between "manageable" and "where are my gloves?"
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Statewide, we are looking at a high of 28°F. That's it. That is the ceiling.
By the time the sun goes down—which feels like it happens at noon these days—the temperature is going to crater to 14°F. That’s a significant drop. We’re talking about a 14-degree swing that will turn any lingering slush from Friday's rain-to-snow transition into solid blocks of ice.
Regional Vibes: Indy vs. The Region
The Indiana weather forecast today looks a bit different depending on which part of the I-65 corridor you call home.
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- Indianapolis: It’s going to be mostly cloudy for the bulk of the day. You might see a stray flake or two—there’s a 20% chance of snow during the daylight hours—but nothing that’s going to require the heavy-duty shovel. Expect a high of 28°F and a very cold, clear night.
- Northern Indiana: You’re still dealing with the aftermath of that intense lake effect band. While the "whiteout" conditions from Friday have mostly settled, those gusty west winds at 16 mph are going to keep things blustery. It’s partly sunny, which is nice, but the high is only 28°F.
- Southern Indiana: You’re actually the winners today. It’s looking sunny down south with a slightly "warmer" high of 30°F. Still freezing, but the sun makes a psychological difference.
Why Today Feels So Different
We are currently in a weak La Niña pattern. Meteorologists like Drew Montreuil and the folks over at the National Weather Service have been tracking this for weeks. Usually, La Niña means a warmer, drier South, but for us in the Ohio Valley, it’s a "nickel-and-dime" pattern.
We aren't getting one massive, historic blizzard. Instead, we’re getting these frequent, small hits of cold air and "clippers" that keep the ground white and the salt trucks busy. It’s an active pattern. It’s exhausting.
The real story today isn't the snow depth; it's the wind chill and the "flash freeze" potential on the roads. Earlier this week, we saw accidents all over the Indiana Toll Road and I-69 because temperatures dropped 8 degrees in thirty minutes. When that happens, wet pavement becomes a skating rink before the salt even hits the ground.
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The Humidity Factor
Humidity is sitting at 89% right now. That’s high. It’s that damp, heavy cold that sinks into your bones. Even though the UV index is a measly 1, the cloud cover is thick enough to make the 11 mph winds feel even sharper.
Basically, it's a "stay inside and watch basketball" kind of Saturday.
If you absolutely have to be on the roads, especially in the northern half of the state, keep an eye on the overhead bridges. They freeze first. It’s a cliché because it’s true. With the low hitting 14°F tonight, anything that melted today is going to be treacherous by 8:00 PM.
Actionable Winter Tips for Today
- Check your tire pressure: This 31°F to 14°F drop is a nightmare for your TPMS sensors. Don't be surprised if the light pops on tomorrow morning.
- Layers over Bulk: Don't just throw on one giant coat. Wear a base layer. The 16 mph west winds will find the gaps in a single heavy garment.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in your backyard for ten minutes without a coat, it's too cold for the dog. 14°F is "paws-off-the-pavement" territory.
- Clear the slush now: If there’s any mushy snow on your driveway, get it off before sunset. At 14°F, that slush becomes concrete by morning.
The Indiana weather forecast today isn't promising a winter wonderland, but it is demanding respect. It’s cold, it’s windy, and it’s quintessentially Indiana. Grab the heavy socks and maybe an extra log for the fire. You're going to need them tonight.