Honestly, if you're stepping outside in Indy today, you’re going to feel it.
Right now, the temperature in Indianapolis is 13°F. That sounds cold enough on its own, but the real kicker is the "feels like" factor. Thanks to a steady breeze coming out of the west at 7 mph, the air hitting your skin actually feels like a brutal 2°F.
It’s one of those classic January mornings where the sky looks deceptively calm—clear with just some periodic clouds—but the air has a sharp, metallic bite to it.
Breaking Down the Current Conditions
We’re currently sitting at 50% humidity. Usually, that’s a comfortable number, but when it’s this cold, it just makes the air feel heavy and stagnant. The UV index is a flat zero since it’s currently nighttime, and while we aren't seeing any snow falling at this exact second, don't let that fool you into thinking the roads are perfectly clear.
Yesterday saw some dusting, and with the low reaching 11°F overnight, any damp spots on the pavement have likely turned into black ice.
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What Is the Temperature in Indianapolis Right Now for the Rest of the Day?
If you're waiting for a massive warm-up, I've got some bad news.
Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the mercury is only expected to climb to a high of 23°F. We’re looking at a mostly cloudy day, with the wind shifting slightly to come from the southwest at about 11 mph.
- Morning: 13°F (Feels like 2°F)
- Afternoon High: 23°F
- Overnight Low: 12°F
There is a small 10% chance of some light snow during the day, which jumps up to 20% tonight. It’s not a blizzard by any means, but enough to keep the salt trucks busy and your windshield wipers working overtime.
Is This Normal for January in Indy?
Kinda, but it's on the harsher side.
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The historical average high for mid-January in Indianapolis is usually around 36°F, with lows typically hovering near 21°F. We are well below those benchmarks today. In fact, Monday is looking even more intense, with a forecasted high of only 12°F and a low of 7°F.
If you think today is cold, tomorrow is going to be a complete reality check.
Why It Feels So Much Worse
Wind chill is the real villain here. When the wind is blowing at 7 to 11 mph, it constantly strips the thin layer of warmth your body naturally produces off your skin.
You’ve probably noticed that your phone battery is dying faster or your car is taking an extra second to turn over. That’s because these temperatures are right in the "danger zone" for consumer electronics and lead-acid batteries.
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Pro Tip: If you’re parked outside, try to start your car a few minutes early, but for the love of everything, don't leave it running in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide is no joke.
Survival Guide for the Next 24 Hours
Look, we’re Midwesterners. We’re used to this. But every year, the first real deep freeze of January catches people off guard.
Basically, you want to dress in layers that trap air. A base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, a fleece or wool middle, and a windproof outer shell. If you're walking the dog, keep it short. Paws can get frostbite just like fingers, and the salt on the sidewalks can irritate their pads.
Honestly, the best move today is to stay inside with a heavy mug of something hot and wait for Wednesday. We’re actually expecting a "heat wave" of 39°F by the middle of the week.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your tires: Cold air makes tire pressure drop. If your light is on, fill them up today; it helps with traction on icy patches.
- Drip your faucets: If you live in an older house with poorly insulated pipes, let a tiny trickle run to prevent a middle-of-the-night burst.
- Update your car kit: Make sure you have a blanket and a scraper in the trunk. If you get stuck in 2°F weather, you’ll be glad you have them.