Arctic Cold to Last Through Mid-Week

Source: X / @NWS

INDIANAPOLIS — Real-feel temperatures dropped below zero this morning, with wind chills and single-digit temperatures creating dangerous conditions. Forecasters warn the bitter cold will last for several days.

“Times to frostbite are about 30 minutes,” said Matt Eckhoff, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. “Frostbite is possible in about 30 minutes exposed to the wind and cold without gloves, a hat, or anything like that.”

The cold is expected to last until at least mid-week. This morning, temperatures reached -19 in Kokomo and -16 in Indianapolis. Many schools across Central Indiana were delayed or closed.

“Tomorrow’s high is expected to be eight degrees with a low tonight of one degree,” Eckhoff said. “So not much improvement, but the winds die down a little bit, so our windchills improve.”

Flurries are expected today, Thursday, and Friday, but no major snow. Eckhoff also urged people to keep their pets indoors.

“While they have fur, they will get cold and can suffer from frostbite in these temperatures,” he said. “You don’t want them outside for too long. Keep them inside as much as possible.”