INDIANA, USA — Snow will quickly be in the forecast across Indiana, and we are expecting more snow this year (2024) for Indiana compared to last year (2023) as a weak La Niña holds for the winter. That typically gives us average or above-average snow.
Tap HERE to track snow falling across the country with our interactive radar.
It could snow at any time now across Indiana. It just will take the right cold front with enough moisture left in place.
When do we typically get our first snow?
We have had years when it snowed in October, and some years where we didn't get much snow until after the New Year. Typically most of Indiana gets its first accumulating 1 inch of snow in December.
(Note: cities listed alphabetically)
- Bloomington: Dec 16th
- Evansville: Dec 24th
- Fort Wayne: Dec 2nd
- Indianapolis: Dec 8th
- Lafayette: Dec 6th
- New Albany: Dec 26th
- Richmond: Dec 10th
- South Bend: Nov 16th
These cities do not all have the same historical period of record. However these averages come from what is available. They track fairly well across the state when you consider average snowiness and temperatures.
How much snow do we typically get?
The farther north you go in Indiana, the more snow you typically get, however it's not just because of colder temperatures. Lake Michigan creates lake-effect snow showers for much of northern Indiana. In the intense bands, you can easily get 1-3" per hour snowfall rates, helping areas around South Bend pick up 50-100" every winter.
Sometimes the snow showers can reach into central Indiana, but they are not usually as intense. Quick bursts of snow are possible. The snow is usually drier when it's off the lake, especially on the colder days.
(Note: cities listed alphabetically)
- Bloomington: 17.5"
- Evansville: 6.2"
- Fort Wayne: 33.6"
- Indianapolis: 25.5"
- Lafayette: 20.5"
- New Albany: 13.4"
- Richmond: 24.8"
- South Bend: 64.5"
How much snow will get get this year?
Who knows! We do expect more snow than last year with the El Niño we had. This year we will have a weak La Niña which typically gives Indiana average or above average snowfall. We are at least expecting 20 inches of snow this year in Indianapolis, but as always, we'll have to see.
-13News Meteorologist Matt Standridge