Indianapolis weather: Winter Storm Warning brings heavy snow, slick roads, and bitter cold

Indianapolis weather takes a wintery turn today with a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 7:00 a.m. EST Saturday through 10:00 a.m. EST Sunday. Snow develops late this morning, intensifies through the afternoon and evening, and tapers to lighter snow and flurries overnight. Totals of 4–7 inches are expected across much of central Indiana, with wind gusts up to 35 mph creating areas of blowing and drifting snow. Rapidly deteriorating road conditions are likely, and travel may become difficult, especially this afternoon and tonight.

What to expect today in Indianapolis

Light snow arrives late morning and quickly becomes steady to heavy during the afternoon. Temperatures hover near 31–35°F (-1 to 2°C), so the first flakes may slush on treated surfaces before turning snowy. As rates pick up and winds increase, visibility will drop and untreated roads turn slick. The evening commute and post-holiday travel will be impacted; leave extra time or consider delaying trips.

Key impacts

• Snow totals: 4–7 inches across the metro, higher in persistent bands.

• Wind: Gusts up to 35 mph will reduce visibility and create drifting.

• Temperatures: Mid 30s this afternoon, falling below freezing tonight.

• Travel: Slow, slippery roads; expect plows and treatment crews to be active through the night.

Timing the Indianapolis snow and wind

Note: Narrow, more intense bands can shift totals slightly neighborhood to neighborhood.

Sunday: lingering flurries, refreeze risk

By daybreak Sunday, steady snow fades to occasional flurries, but winds remain brisk and air temperatures fall into the 20s. Any slush that melted Saturday may refreeze early Sunday, especially on bridges, overpasses, neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. Use caution for morning services and early travel.

Early-week Indianapolis forecast

• Monday: Cloudy and cold; highs near 31°F (0°C).

• Tuesday: Another quick shot of light snow is possible early with a fresh coating in spots; highs near 31°F (0°C).

• Wednesday: Chilly, some breaks of sun; highs mid 30s.

• Late week: Very cold air settles in; highs may struggle to reach the upper 20s Thursday with teens at night.

Confidence is high in the weekend storm’s timing and general snow amounts. Local totals could still vary within the 4–7 inch range depending on where the strongest bands park for a few hours.

Travel and safety tips for the storm

• If you must drive: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and carry a winter kit (flashlight, blanket, snacks, water).

• Plan around the peak: The most hazardous window for Indianapolis is mid-afternoon through late evening Saturday.

• Watch for black ice: Refreezing is likely late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

• Clear it right: Shovel in stages during heavier bursts so accumulation doesn’t compact; keep furnace and dryer vents clear of snow.

• Pets and pipes: Limit pet time outdoors and protect exposed pipes as wind chills drop into the teens and single digits.

Why this Indianapolis weather setup matters

Moisture streaming over subfreezing surface air and strengthening winds will wring out efficient snowfall across central Indiana. The combination of moderate to heavy rates, gusty winds, and temperatures near freezing maximizes travel impacts even if totals end up near the lower end of the expected range. With holiday traffic still elevated, small changes in timing can have outsized effects—expect delays on major corridors and around the airport during the afternoon and evening push.

Stay flexible with plans, give plow crews room to work, and check on neighbors who may need assistance clearing walks or getting supplies. Once the system exits Sunday, the pattern remains cold into midweek, with another minor snow chance Tuesday and a sharper chill late week.