Residents across large swathes of Indiana are bracing for a shiver-inducing weekend with a Freeze Warning in effect from midnight through to Saturday morning. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis warns of "sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 expected" that could spell trouble for early-spring blooming and outdoor plumbing.
According to the NWS Indianapolis' latest advisory, folks in central, east central, north central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana are poised to experience these icy conditions. The Freeze Warning stressed the importance of taking protective measures, stating: "Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing." The temperatures are set to plummet following what has been an overcast day with the mercury barely managing to hit a high near 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
Today's cloudy skies are predicted to clear up, ushering in a mostly sunny Saturday with temperatures rising to around 60. However, calm winds of the North are expected to maintain a cooler than average feel to the air. Things are set to warm up on Sunday, reaching a more comfortable high near 66, though the forecast indicates a shift with potential thunderstorms brewing by Monday, according to the NWS.
The outlook for the coming week is mixed, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Monday that could disrupt the otherwise mostly sunny forecast. With the possibility of thunderstorms on the horizon, the NWS hasn't ruled out the chance of severe weather, cautioning that "it is too soon to determine if storms will be severe at this time. Lightning is a threat with any thunderstorm." It's a reminder for residents to stay alert and prepared, as Indiana's weather this time of year can be as unpredictable as it is fickle.
For those with green thumbs, the impending frost is a serious concern. The NWS urges residents to "take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold." As the week progresses, conditions should improve with a warming trend that will hopefully bring more typical springtime temperatures to the Hoosier state.
