Indiana Weather

Indiana climate

Indiana has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The state's flat to gently rolling landscape offers little protection from weather systems, allowing cold Arctic air and warm Gulf moisture to clash frequently. Indianapolis receives approximately 42 inches of rain and 26 inches of snow per year.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are common in Indiana from April through June, placing it within the broader Tornado Alley region. The state has experienced several devastating tornado outbreaks, including the 1965 Palm Sunday outbreak and the November 2005 southern Indiana tornadoes. Lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan can produce heavy snowfall in the northwestern corner of the state during winter.

Indiana experiences wide temperature ranges, with summer highs averaging in the upper 80s and winter lows dropping into the teens. The southern part of the state is slightly warmer and receives less snow than the north. Ice storms and freezing rain are notable winter hazards, often causing more disruption than snowfall alone due to power outages and hazardous road conditions.