A Breezy Transition: Snow Flurries and Rising Winds Hit Indy

A Day of Two Halves: From Crisp Sunshine to Blustery Flurries

Indianapolis residents waking up this Wednesday morning will experience a sharp transition as the city moves from a frigid, clear start into a cloudy and windy afternoon. While the early hours of January 21 offer some quiet before the weather shifts, a weakening weather system is tracking toward Central Indiana, bringing the threat of scattered snow showers and significant wind gusts by the day's end.

Morning: A Cold but Bright Start

The day begins with mostly clear skies between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Temperatures during the early commute are expected to sit in the low-to-mid 10s, with some localized pockets dipping into the single digits. As the sun rises, the cloud cover will quickly increase. By mid-morning (7:00 AM to 11:00 AM), any remaining sunshine will give way to overcast conditions. Winds will remain relatively steady from the south at approximately 10 mph, helping push temperatures into the lower 20s before noon.

Afternoon: Increasing Winds and Stray Flurries

The weather shifts noticeably between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. While the mercury will climb toward a daily high in the low 40s, the real story will be the wind. South winds will increase to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph or higher. Residents should prepare for breezy conditions that will make the air feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. Mostly cloudy skies will prevail throughout the afternoon, with brief flurries or light snow showers possible during the later hours as moisture moves into the region.

Evening: Snow Showers and a Rising Temperature

As we head into the evening, the risk of light snow showers increases, particularly for areas north of the city center. Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, scattered snow is expected as the weather system moves through. Interestingly, temperatures are projected to climb slightly during the overnight hours, hovering near or just above 30 degrees by midnight. This temporary rise in temperature serves as the precursor to a much more intense arctic blast arrival forecasted for later this week.

Weather Alerts and Safety Notices

• Gusty Winds: While no formal high wind warning is in effect, gusts exceeding 30 mph are expected this afternoon. Residents are encouraged to secure lightweight outdoor furniture and trash cans.
• Snow Potential: Although heavy accumulation is not expected today, a light dusting is possible on elevated surfaces. Roadways may become slick during the evening commute, so extra travel time is advised.
• Cold Weather Advisory: Despite the rising temperatures today, a Cold Weather Advisory remains relevant as sub-zero wind chills are forecasted to return by Friday.