Arctic Freeze Tightens Grip on Northern Indiana and Western Ohio With Subzero Wind Chills and Weekend Snow Chances
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA — A bitter December chill is gripping northern Indiana and western Ohio this morning, delivering mid-January cold long before winter officially begins. Skies remain mostly clear early, but forecasters say the region is headed toward an Arctic freeze with subzero wind chills and increasing chances of light snow by the weekend.
Dangerous Wind Chills Develop as Temperatures Drop Into the Teens
The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana reports that temperatures will hover near freezing today, but northwest winds will make it feel much colder — closer to the teens throughout the day. By Thursday night into Friday morning, wind chills are expected to fall below zero, particularly in rural areas.
Friday turns mostly sunny but remains cold, with little relief from the Arctic air mass settling across the region.
Snow Chances Return Saturday With Light Accumulation Possible
Clouds increase Saturday afternoon as a weak disturbance moves through the Great Lakes, bringing a 20–40% chance of snow showers across:
- Allen County
- I-69 travel corridors
- Portions of western Ohio
A dusting to an inch of accumulation is possible Saturday evening, especially on bridges, overpasses, and rural roadways where temperatures will be quick to freeze. Forecasters warn that slick spots may develop during evening travel.
Frigid Sunday and a Bitter Start to Next Week
Sunday stays cloudy and frigid, with highs around 26°F and lows dropping near 4°F. By Monday morning, outlying areas across northern Indiana and western Ohio could dip below zero, bringing dangerous cold for anyone outdoors without proper protection.
Meteorologists urge residents to:
- Dress in multiple warm layers
- Check vehicle fluids and tire pressure
- Protect pets and exposed pipes
- Limit outdoor activity during the coldest periods
This level of cold can quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
Potentially More Active Winter Pattern Ahead: December 11–17
Long-range models suggest the Midwest and Great Lakes may enter a more active winter pattern between December 11–17, with the potential for:
- Renewed lake-effect snow
- Additional Arctic waves
- More widespread winter precipitation
Snow bands could stretch from Wisconsin through northern Indiana and Michigan depending on wind direction and storm track.
Five-Day Outlook for Fort Wayne, Indiana
Thursday: Partly sunny, high 22°F, low 1°F
Friday: Mostly sunny, high 26°F, low 19°F
Saturday: 20–40% snow chance, high 31°F, low 19°F
Sunday: Cloudy, high 26°F, low 4°F
Monday: Mostly sunny, high 20°F, bitter start near 0°F
Stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more winter weather alerts, Midwest forecasts, and regional travel updates as December cold intensifies.