Live Updates: Dangerous Heat Wave Could Smash Records—What to Know About Indianapolis Weather Today

Indianapolis is bracing for a rare March mash-up of springlike storms and winter weather that could bring everything from 70 mph wind gusts to accumulating snow within a 24-hour window. A ONE-TWO PUNCH OF SEVERE STORMS AND SNOW The National Weather Service (NWS) expects a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms to enter western Indiana around 8 p.m. Sunday, sweeping into the Indianapolis metro by about 10 p.m. Forecasters warn of damaging straight-line winds up to 80 mph, isolated tornadoes and torrential downpours that could briefly flood low-lying roads. Once the cold front passes, temperatures will plummet and rain will quickly change to wet snow before daybreak. HIGH WIND WARNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING Ahead of the storms, a High Wind Warning is in effect until 8 a.m. Monday. South winds are forecast at 25–35 mph with widespread gusts of 45–55 mph, strong enough to topple tree limbs and cause scattered power outages. Residents should secure patio furniture, holiday decorations and trash bins well before sunset. SNOWFALL POTENTIAL AFTER THE FRONT As colder air rushes in, forecasters say Indianapolis could pick up a quick 1–3 inches of snow overnight Sunday into Monday afternoon, with the heaviest bands north and east of downtown. Road temperatures are still above freezing, but bridges and overpasses may become slick for the Monday morning commute. Any lingering snow will taper off by late Monday as drier air arrives from the west. TEMPERATURE ROLLER-COASTER THIS WEEK • Sunday afternoon: Near-record warmth around 72 °F (22 °C). • Monday: Temperatures crash to the lower 30s °F (0 °C) with wind chills in the teens. • Tuesday: Morning lows near 16 °F (-9 °C) before a slow rebound to the upper 20s. • Mid-week: Gradual moderation, reaching the 50s by Thursday and the upper 60s by the weekend. SAFETY CHECKLIST 1. Charge phones and flashlights in case of power failures. 2. Keep garage doors closed to prevent wind damage. 3. Park vehicles away from large trees and unsecured signs. 4. During the storm, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home. 5. After the front passes, allow extra travel time Monday morning and leave plenty of stopping distance on bridges and ramps. WHAT’S DRIVING THE WILD WEATHER? A potent low-pressure system racing out of the Plains is dragging unseasonably warm, moist air into central Indiana. Once the cold front catches up, explosive thunderstorm development is likely along and just ahead of the boundary. On the backside, the same storm taps Arctic air, triggering a brief but intense burst of snow—an atmospheric “whiplash” more common in late winter than mid-March. STAY WEATHER-AWARE Weather radios, smartphone alerts and local TV stations will push real-time warnings throughout the night. The NWS urges Hoosiers not to wait for the outdoor sirens, which are designed as a last-resort alert for people already outside. With extreme winds, lightning, hail, possible tornadoes and snow all in play, central Indiana will experience nearly every season in a single day. Prepare now, stay alert through the evening and keep the winter gear handy for a frigid Monday morning commute.