Indiana Forecast Calls for Snow Through Thursday as Two Clipper Systems Bring Light Accumulation and Lake-Effect Bands Into New Year’s Week
INDIANA — Light snow is expected across much of Indiana through Thursday, January 1, as two small clipper systems move across the region in quick succession. Forecasters say the first system will arrive tonight, followed by a second wave tomorrow, bringing steady bursts of light snow and additional lake-effect activity into early 2026.
Two Clippers to Deliver Widespread Light Snow
Meteorologists note that both systems will be relatively fast-moving but will carry enough moisture to produce statewide snow showers. Most Hoosier communities will see a trace to 2 inches of accumulation by Thursday morning.
Areas closer to the upper Great Lakes, where lake-effect bands may intensify behind the clippers, could see higher localized totals, depending on wind direction and band placement.
Lake-Effect Snow May Boost Totals in Northern Counties
Forecast maps highlight northern Indiana counties — including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, and Starke — as the most likely areas to experience elevated totals. If lake-effect bands persist over the same locations, snow amounts may reach 4 to 6 inches, especially near Gary, Michigan City, and pockets around Fort Wayne.
The forecast shows:
- 2–6 inches possible in lake-effect zones
- 2–4 inches in northern and northeastern counties
- 1–2 inches across central Indiana, including the Indianapolis metro
- Trace to 1 inch in southern counties near Evansville, Vincennes, and the Ohio River
Travel Could Become Slippery at Times
While accumulations will remain on the lighter side for most of the state, forecasters caution that roads may become slick, particularly during early morning and evening commutes. Snow may fall in multiple brief bursts, reducing visibility and creating patchy ice on untreated surfaces. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and stay aware of rapidly changing conditions as each clipper passes through.
New Year’s Week to Stay Cold and Unsettled
Temperatures throughout the event will remain cold enough to support snow statewide, with highs below freezing in northern counties and only slightly warmer across southern Indiana. Behind the second clipper, additional light lake-effect snow may linger into Thursday morning.
Meteorologists say Indiana will remain in a generally unsettled pattern into early January, with additional weak systems possible after the holiday. Residents across the state can continue to follow updated snowfall projections and share their local conditions at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
