Indiana is basically a giant snow globe right now. Honestly, if you’ve stepped outside in Indianapolis or anywhere near the central part of the state this morning, you already know the vibe. It’s grey. It’s biting. It’s very much January.
Weather now in Indiana is sitting at a crisp 31°F as of late morning, but that number is a total lie. Thanks to a 17 mph wind whipping in from the south, the "feels like" temperature is actually hovering around 20°F. If you’re heading out, that’s the number that matters for your frostbitten ears.
What’s Actually Happening Outside?
We’ve got a series of "clipper" systems—fast-moving weather disturbances—doing a dance across the Great Lakes. They aren't massive, catastrophic blizzards, but they’re annoying enough to mess up your commute. Most of the state is under a blanket of clouds with a 10% to 20% chance of light snow flurries drifting down throughout the day.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a special weather statement earlier today because even a "dusting" can turn an Indiana highway into a skating rink when the pavement is this cold.
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The Breakdown of the Numbers
It’s easy to get lost in the apps, but here is the raw data for today, January 16, 2026:
- Current Temp: 31°F (Feels like 20°F).
- High for Today: 36°F.
- Tonight’s Low: 22°F.
- Wind: 17 mph south/southwest gusts.
- Humidity: 62% (creeping up to 70% by tonight).
The humidity is actually a big deal here. When the air is this damp and cold, it feels "heavy." It’s that bone-chilling cold that denim jeans can’t stop.
The Northern Indiana Factor
If you’re up in South Bend, Elkhart, or anywhere near the Toll Road, you’re playing a different game. Lake effect snow is the wildcard. While Indy might just see some grey sky and a few flakes, the northern counties have been dealing with localized bursts that can drop an inch or two in an hour. Visibility is the real enemy up there. One minute you’re driving fine, the next you’re in a whiteout because the wind decided to kick up the snow already on the ground.
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Is Sunday Going to Be Worse?
Everyone is asking about the weekend. Short answer: sort of. We’re expecting more snow showers Saturday, but the real story is the "Arctic plunge" coming right behind it.
Meteorologists like Matt Standridge have been pointing out that the jet stream is about to dip hard. By Sunday night and into Monday morning, we aren't just talking about 20s. We’re looking at overnight wind chills that could hit -15°F. That is "pipes-bursting" weather.
Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
Kinda feels like we’re always "preparing" for winter, but this weekend is the real test of the season so far.
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- Check your tire pressure. Cold air makes the pressure drop, and the last thing you want is a "low tire" light when it’s 20 degrees out.
- Watch the lunchtime burst. There’s a projected pulse of snow around noon today. Since the temp might hit 36°F, it’ll likely be slushy, which is actually more dangerous for hydroplaning than dry snow.
- PJM Grid Alerts. The regional power grid (PJM) has already issued cold weather alerts for the coming days. They aren't predicting blackouts, but they are telling power plants to get ready for a massive spike in heating demand.
What You Should Do Next
Keep your gas tank at least half full. It adds weight to your car for better traction and ensures you won't freeze if you get stuck in a traffic jam on I-65 or I-70. If you have exposed pipes on exterior walls, start thinking about a slow drip for Sunday night.
The "snow globe" phase of the day is pretty to look at from a window, but the wind is the real player here. Stay bundled, keep the de-icer handy, and don't trust the thermometer—trust the "feels like" temp.