Central Indiana Faces Bitter Wind Chills as Arctic Air and 35 mph Gusts Bring Hazardous Cold Through Wednesday
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — A stretch of bitter winter weather is sweeping across Central Indiana, with wind chills expected to plunge into the single digits beginning late Monday and lasting through Wednesday morning. Forecasters warn that a combination of Arctic air and gusty winds may create dangerous conditions from Terre Haute to Muncie, marking one of the coldest periods so far this season.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, wind gusts will strengthen to 30–35 mph Sunday night before easing slowly through Monday. The primary concern is the extended duration of sub-freezing wind chills, particularly overnight Monday into Tuesday, when “feels-like” temperatures are expected to dip between 5–15°F across the region.
Communities including Indianapolis, Shelbyville, and Crawfordsville are expected to see the sharpest early-morning cold.
Wind Gusts to 35 mph and Single-Digit Wind Chills
Forecasters say the coldest period will occur late Monday into early Tuesday, when residual winds combine with falling temperatures. Even though actual temperatures will remain in the 20s, wind chills will make conditions feel far colder — potentially hazardous for commuters, schoolchildren, and anyone working outdoors.
The National Weather Service is urging residents to use caution, especially during nighttime and early-morning hours when the wind-driven chill will be most intense.
NWS Urges Hoosiers to Layer Up and Check Heating Systems
With temperatures holding well below average, meteorologists recommend:
- Wearing multiple warm layers
- Avoiding extended time outdoors
- Ensuring furnaces and heating systems are working properly
- Insulating pipes to prevent freezing
- Checking on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors
- Bringing pets indoors
Although wind speeds will gradually subside by midweek, the lingering cold will keep wind chills lower than normal, even as daytime temperatures inch toward freezing.
Five-Day Forecast for Indianapolis, Indiana
Sunday: High 34°F — Gusts up to 35 mph, wind chills in the teens
Monday: High 35°F, Low 21°F — Bitter wind chills developing late
Tuesday: High 28°F, Low 18°F — Wind chills between 5–10°F
Wednesday: High 32°F, Low 22°F — Breezy with wind chills in the teens
Thursday: High 38°F — Gradual warming with lighter winds
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