INDIANA — With winter 2026 still underway, meteorologists say additional snowfall remains possible across Indiana this season, but both recent weather patterns and climatological norms will shape how likely it is that snow continues to accumulate.
This winter has already produced notable snow events in Indiana, particularly a major storm in late January that brought widespread snow across much of the state, according to the National Weather Service.
A storm from Jan. 24–26 delivered snowfall totals between about 5 and 12 inches in many parts of Indiana, with heavier amounts observed in some locations in northern and central Indiana. This included significant accumulations reported in the Fort Wayne area, with multiple reports near 9-10 inchesduring that system.
At Indianapolis International Airport, the National Weather Service recorded 12.4 inches of snow for January 2026, exceeding the 30-year normal of 8.8 inches for that month.
Overall since July 1, the season’s snowfall total was 27.7 inches, compared with a normal seasonal total of about 16.1 inches through early February. Additionally, Indianapolis experienced a long stretch with measurable snow on the ground, with a snowpack of at least 3 inches lasting for more than two weeks before beginning to melt in early February.
Indiana’s winter snowfall totals typically vary greatly across the state because of geography and weather patterns. Western and northern portions, particularly near Lake Michigan, can receive much higher seasonal snow totals — sometimes over 60–80 inches in areas affected by lake-effect snow — while central and southern Indiana averages less snow. Normal monthly averages for the Indianapolis area indicate about 8.8 inches in January and 6.0 inches in February.
Temperature trends also influence snow potential. January 2026 featured below-normal temperatures across much of the state, which supported snow accumulation during storms.
However, broader climate drivers such as La Niña conditions that persisted heading into this winter give Indiana equal chances for above- or below-normal temperatures and precipitation, according to long-range winter outlooks from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued before the season.
Climatologically, snowfall can continue through February and into March across central and northern Indiana if cold air returns during any additional storm systems. Historical snowfall records show that measurable snow in the Indianapolis area can occur as late as mid-March, with the average last date for 1 inch or more of snow near March 1.
Forecasters emphasize that skiable or impactful snow events require the right combination of cold air and moistureat the same time. Warmer interludes — especially in late winter — can flip precipitation to rain or reduce snow accumulation, particularly in central and southern parts of the state. Yet with seasonal averages and existing snow cover indicating a somewhat active winter so far, Indiana is not out of the season’s typical window for additional snow.
In short, while every weather system’s exact impacts can differ, continued snowfall this winter in Indiana remains a realistic possibility, especially if future storms bring cold air to interact with moisture moving into the region.
