A Bitter Bite: Arctic Blast and Lake-Effect Flurries Sweep Through Indy Today

Indianapolis Braces for Sub-Zero Chills and Scattered Flurries

Residents of Indianapolis are waking up to a punishing arctic blast this Saturday, January 31, 2026. While the heavy snow from the recent winter storm has largely been cleared, extreme cold remains firmly entrenched across Central Indiana. Today will be characterized by biting winds, occasional sunshine, and the persistent threat of lake-effect flurries drifting down from the north as an upper-level disturbance slides into the region.

Morning: A Frigid Start

The early morning hours will see temperatures hovering in the low single digits, starting at a brutal 4°F around 6:00 AM. Sky conditions will fluctuate between mostly clear and partly cloudy, but the sun will offer little warmth. Wind chills are expected to remain well below zero, making outdoor activities hazardous for those not properly bundled. Light snow showers may drift into the metro area from the north before midday, though accumulation is expected to be minimal—likely just a stray dusting on previously cleared surfaces.

Afternoon: The Peak of the Day

By mid-afternoon, the temperature is forecasted to reach its daily high of approximately 20°F. While this marks the warmest part of the day, it remains significantly below the historical average for late January. Winds from the North-Northwest (NNW) will blow at a steady 12 miles per hour, keeping the "feels-like" temperature in the single digits throughout the afternoon. Despite the cold, residents may see some dry breaks with occasional sunshine peering through the cloud cover between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Evening and Overnight: Record-Setting Cold Potential

As the sun sets, temperatures will plummet once again. By late evening, the mercury will drop from 23°F down toward 15°F by midnight, continuing a sharp descent into the early hours of Sunday. Forecasters are warning of a potential record-setting cold snap overnight, with lows expected to bottom out near 1°F. Increasing cloud cover late in the evening could bring additional light snow flurries, particularly for areas northwest of the city center.

Safety Alerts and Road Hazards

Local emergency services have reported a spike in cold-weather emergencies over the past week, and today’s conditions require continued vigilance. Officials and meteorologists advise the following precautions:

• Frostbite and Hypothermia: Exposed skin can suffer frostbite in less than 30 minutes. Wear multiple layers, heavy coats, gloves, and moisture-wicking materials.
• Slick Road Conditions: Because of the very cold ground temperatures, even light snow showers or flurries can stick quickly. Small slick spots can develop fast on bridges and overpasses.
• Pet Safety: Bring all pets indoors and limit their time outside to brief intervals.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works has monitored the situation closely following the release of private snow-plowing contractors yesterday, but city crews remain on standby to address any icing caused by today's intermittent lake-enhanced snow showers.