INDIANAPOLIS — March is known for its big temperature swings in central Indiana. Today, the temperature pendulum swung in an unseasonably cold direction with afternoon temperatures hovering in the low to mid 30s – that's near the average low for mid-March.
The stinging west-northwest wind makes it feel closer to 20°, which is a stark contrast to the lower/mid 70s we were enjoying this time last week. For now, the unseasonably cold air wins the war and delivers more lake effect flurries and snow showers heading into Tuesday morning.
Some of these at times may briefly become "bursts" and cause rapid changes to visibility and road conditions.
We're targeting the eastern half of the state (downwind from Lake Michigan) were snow bursts would be most likely between now and sunrise.
Otherwise, the chilly air is the bigger story.
Despite a brightening sky Tuesday, high temperatures struggle to reach 40° and remain about 10° below average.
Tuesday night/Wednesday morning will be rather frosty under a clear sky and calm wind with forecast lows of 15°-20°. Bu
But the recovery Wednesday afternoon under a blue sky will be impressive as highs quickly shoot to near 50°.
Thursday remains the warmest of the week (near 60°) – but we'll be on borrowed time for dry weather with an approaching cold front bringing widespread showers by sunset Thursday. This rain becomes wind-whipped as low pressure intensifies to our west-northwest.
That cold front crosses the state Friday morning and drops temperatures back into the 30s/lower 40s by midday for rather raw St. Patrick's Day weather. Plan on dressing for windchills in the 20s Friday evening if you're heading out to a bar and/or restaurant.
Unseasonably cold air settles over the state again next weekend and right now it's looking winterish Saturday with cold highs in the 30s and scattered/numerous snow showers. Updates to come.
