9 hours Ago
INDIANAPOLIS — Good afternoon, central Indiana! A rapid shift in temperatures is underway, with thermometers set to tumble by as much as 15° from north to south this afternoon as a cold front pushes through the region. This front is being reinforced by gusty winds blowing off of Lake Michigan, making it feel even colder than the actual temperature. By 7 p.
m. Monday, expect temperatures to be in the 30s to near 40°, and with the wind chill, it will feel even colder, so bundle up! The transition to this cooler air mass will also bring some unsettled weather. As the front moves through, we may see a mix of sprinkles, rain showers, flurries, and even snow showers in some areas.
While it won't be a heavy snowfall, you could still notice a few flakes flying as the front passes. Cloud cover will clear overnight, setting the stage for our coldest night since March 2. Temperatures will drop significantly overnight, with lows dipping into the 20s across much of the region.
As a result, a Freeze Warning is in effect for central and southern Indiana, where the growing season has already begun. This warning indicates that frost and a hard freeze are likely, which could damage any tender plants that have already started to sprout. Even in areas outside of the Freeze Warning, expect similarly cold conditions, but these areas are less likely to see damage to crops, as the growing season hasn't quite begun yet.
While Tuesday will be a sunny day, don't let that fool you into thinking it'll be warm. Highs will only reach the 40s, making it feel much colder than usual for this time of year. It’s a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine but be sure to keep a jacket handy as you head out.
As we head into the middle of the week, temperatures will gradually warm up again, reaching the 50s by Wednesday. However, it won’t be all sunshine and pleasant weather. Expect mixed showers in the morning, with rain becoming more widespread by Wednesday night into Thursday.
Rain totals could range anywhere from 0.25" to 0.50", which shouldn’t cause significant flooding issues for most areas.
That said, many rivers in central and southern Indiana remain swollen from last week’s heavy rainfall, and flood warnings are in effect for these waterways. Shelbyville, Columbus, Seymour, and Spencer all had top five crests due to the deluge last week that dropped 6"-9"+ rainfall with the heaviest occurring between I-70 and just south of the Ohio River. As a result, road closures remain in effect in several locations.
Please be sure to stay alert to any barriers or warnings, and remember — never drive through flooded roads. Monday evening: Temperatures dropping rapidly with gusty wind making it feel colder. Monday night: Expect a hard freeze with lows in the 20s.
Freeze Warning in effect for central and southern Indiana. Tuesday: Sunny but cold with highs only in the 40s. Wednesday: Highs in the 50s with a mix of showers in the morning and widespread rain by Wednesday night.
Flooding concerns: Be cautious of swollen rivers and road closures due to recent heavy rainfall. Stay warm and stay safe, and make sure to protect any plants that could be harmed by tonight’s freeze. We’ll keep you updated as this cold front moves through and the rain arrives later this week.
Stay tuned to 13News for the latest weather developments!.
