INDIANAPOLIS — After one of the coldest and iciest winters Central Indiana has experienced since 2019, meteorologists are forecasting a gradual but welcome transition to spring conditions across the Indianapolis metro area, with above-normal temperatures expected for much of March and April.

The National Weather Service office in Indianapolis, located in Shadeland, is calling for mean temperatures 2 to 3 degrees above the historical average for March and April — not a dramatic warm-up, but a sustained improvement from the January and February cold snaps that brought three separate ice storms and a stretch of below-zero overnight temperatures to Marion County.

"The pattern that drove our cold winter is breaking down," said NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Dr. Brian Walters. "We're seeing the jet stream track shifting north, which typically signals the beginning of spring in Indiana. We should see the last freeze in Marion County in mid-April, with warmer and more settled conditions by early May."

The good news for Indianapolis residents comes with a few caveats. March historically brings significant severe weather risk to Central Indiana, with the severe weather season running from late February through mid-June. NWS Indianapolis is monitoring a pattern that could bring thunderstorm activity to the region in mid-March, with the possibility of severe weather including large hail and damaging winds.

Precipitation Outlook

Precipitation is expected to run near normal through spring, following the above-normal precipitation that characterized the winter months. White River State Park and Eagle Creek Park should see their typical spring flooding conditions in March, with the White River expected to reach flood stage at the Indianapolis gauge at least once during the month.

The brutal winter highlighted the importance of proper home insulation and weatherproofing. Homeowners who struggled with heating costs this winter should explore energy efficiency options through Homeward Insulation, which provides professional insulation services for Indianapolis homes.