Thursday morning in Indianapolis is starting off clear and close to freezing, with temperatures near 32°F at the airport and light northwest winds. The quiet start is temporary, though, as a much windier Friday moves in with a tight pressure gradient sweeping across central Indiana.
Wind Advisory For Friday
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Friday, March 13, from 5 AM to 8 PM EDT. Forecasters are calling for sustained southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph across much of central Indiana. The strongest gusts are expected from the pre-dawn through mid-morning hours and across the northern tier of counties, according to NWS Indianapolis.
Timing And Commute Impacts
The advisory warns, "Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," and that could make the Friday morning drive a bit of an adventure. Drivers should be ready for tricky crosswinds on bridges and open stretches of I-465 during the commute. Tree limbs could come down and a few short power outages are possible. It is a good night to secure patio furniture, trash cans, and other loose items before the wind picks up and to build in some extra time for travel.
Weekend Turnaround
After the burst of wind, the pattern turns warm and unsettled. On Sunday, March 15, highs should reach the upper 60s, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms late in the day. A sharp cooldown Sunday night into Monday brings another swing, with rain changing over to snow. For more background on the warm-up and timing, see our warm-up and timing breakdown.
How To Prepare
Bring in lightweight yard items and secure outdoor signage before the wind ramps up. If you operate a truck, trailer, or RV, think twice about high-profile travel during Friday morning and midday when gusts are strongest. Report downed signals or hazards through RequestIndy or the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622, check road conditions before heading out, and keep an eye on local media and the National Weather Service for updates.
