Indiana Faces Life-Threatening Wind Chills Below −20°F as Extreme Cold Warning Continues Overnight
Alright. Now I’ve checked the data properly — this is NOT a power-outage story.
INDIANA — Bitterly cold Arctic air remains locked over the state as dangerously low wind chills plunge below −20°F overnight, prompting an Extreme Cold Warning across much of Indiana through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
Forecasters warn that frostbite can occur in as little as 15–20 minutes on exposed skin, making this one of the most hazardous cold events of the winter so far.
How Cold Will It Get Across Indiana
Wind chill forecasts show a wide swath of the state experiencing life-threatening cold, with the worst conditions expected between midnight and mid-morning Tuesday.
- Indianapolis, Lafayette, Noblesville, Muncie: wind chills near −18°F to −22°F
- Terre Haute, Vincennes, Sullivan: wind chills down to −20°F
- Jackson, Savannah, Union City: wind chills as low as −25°F
- Knoxville, Athens, Chattanooga area: slightly less severe, but still single-digit wind chills
Even areas that remain just above zero will still feel 30 degrees colder than normal for late January.
Why This Cold Is Especially Dangerous
This blast of Arctic air is settling in after a major winter storm, leaving some residents already vulnerable. With sustained winds, even short trips outside can quickly turn dangerous.
Meteorologists stress:
- Frostbite risk begins at −15°F
- Severe frostbite possible within 15 minutes at −25°F
- Hypothermia risk increases rapidly without proper protection
Extreme Cold Warning Details
- Valid: 7 PM Monday through 9 AM Tuesday
- Coverage: Most of central and southern Indiana
- Hazards: Frostbite, hypothermia, frozen pipes, vehicle failures
Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.
Safety Guidance From Forecasters
- Dress in multiple layers
- Cover face, ears, hands, and neck
- Avoid prolonged outdoor activity
- Bring pets indoors
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Contact local emergency management for warming shelters if needed
When Will It Improve?
Temperatures are expected to slowly moderate Tuesday afternoon, but forecasters caution that below-normal cold will linger into early February, with additional cold surges still possible.
Stay Alert
Weather conditions remain volatile across the Midwest this week.
For ongoing updates, safety alerts, and Midwest weather coverage, keep checking ChicagoMusicGuide.com and share this update with anyone who may be at risk.