Indiana Braces for Dangerous Overnight Cold as Wind Chills Plunge to -35°F by Wednesday Morning

INDIANA — A surge of dangerously cold Arctic air is sweeping across Indiana overnight, with life-threatening wind chills expected to drop as low as -35°F by early Wednesday morning, according to forecast data.

The coldest conditions are expected near sunrise on Wednesday, January 28, when strong winds combine with already frigid temperatures to create extreme cold exposure risks across the state.

Wind Chills Falling Into the Dangerous Range

Forecast minimum wind chills show widespread subzero values across Indiana, with the most severe cold focused in central and southern portions of the state.

Expected minimum wind chills include:

• South Bend: -14°F
• Gary: -10°F
• Rensselaer: -14°F
• Fort Wayne: -21°F
• Lafayette: -21°F
• Muncie: -26°F
• Indianapolis: -31°F
• Bloomington: -30°F
• Terre Haute: -30°F
• Vincennes: -30°F
• Versailles: -35°F (coldest reading shown)
• New Albany: -25°F
• Evansville: -25°F

Large areas of the state will experience wind chills between -20°F and -30°F, with some locations briefly dipping even lower.

Frostbite Risk Increases Rapidly

With wind chills this extreme, frostbite can form on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, especially overnight and during the early morning commute.

Those who must be outside should dress in multiple layers, cover exposed skin, and ensure hands, face, and ears are fully protected.

Coldest Conditions Expected Around Sunrise

Meteorologists indicate the lowest wind chills will occur just before and shortly after sunrise Wednesday morning, before slowly improving later in the day as winds ease and temperatures climb slightly.

Even with improvement, conditions will remain bitterly cold through much of Wednesday, particularly in shaded and open areas where wind exposure is highest.

Travel and Safety Concerns

While no precipitation is shown in this data, extreme cold alone can create hazardous conditions, including:

• Vehicle issues, especially dead batteries
• Frozen pipes and infrastructure stress
• Increased danger for vulnerable populations, including the unhoused, elderly, and those without reliable heating

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, ensure pets are brought indoors, and prepare emergency cold-weather supplies if traveling.

Have you experienced extreme cold like this before? Share how you’re preparing and stay informed with continuing weather updates at NapervilleLocal.com.