Bone-Chilling Monday: Wind Chill Warnings and Morning Flurries for the Circle City

Arctic Air Settles Over Indianapolis

Indianapolis is facing a grueling start to the week as a powerful arctic blast settles over Central Indiana. Today, Monday, January 19, 2026, residents can expect some of the coldest temperatures of the season combined with biting winds that make outdoor activities potentially hazardous. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Marion County and the surrounding areas, which is expected to remain in effect until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Morning Outlook: Snow Flurries and Subzero Chills

The early morning hours have already seen temperatures hovering around 21°F, but the real story is the wind chill. Blustery southwest winds moving at approximately 15 mph are driving the 'feels like' temperature down to a dangerous -10 to -15°F. Early commuters should be wary of light snow showers. Observations indicate overcast skies with light snow tracking from the western half of the region toward the east between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. While snow accumulation is expected to be minimal, the combination of moisture and subzero wind chills could create slick spots on elevated surfaces and bridges.

Afternoon and Evening Forecast

By midday, the chance of precipitation drops to roughly 15% as the morning flurries taper off. However, the heavy cloud cover is expected to persist through much of the afternoon. The daytime high is projected to reach only 21°F, barely moving from the early morning marks. As we transition into the late afternoon and evening, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., the overcast sky may begin to show a few breaks. By 10:00 p.m., more significant clearing is expected, though this lack of cloud cover will allow temperatures to plummet further toward an overnight low of 6°F.

Essential Safety Alerts and Warnings

The severity of today's weather has triggered several regional alerts that residents should monitor closely:

• Cold Weather Advisory: In effect until Tuesday morning for Indianapolis and much of central Indiana due to extreme wind chills.
• PJM Cold Weather Alert: The regional power grid operator has issued an alert for its Western Region, including Indiana, requesting that generation owners prepare for increased electricity demand and take precautions to prevent equipment from freezing.
• Special Weather Statement: Officials warn that the subzero winds can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Travelers are advised to carry a winter emergency kit in their vehicles and to limit time outdoors during the peak morning and overnight hours when the wind chill is at its most severe.