Fishers residents will experience a dramatic swing in weather over the next 24 to 48 hours, with spring-like warmth Sunday giving way to strong storms overnight and a return to wintry conditions by Monday.
Forecasters say temperatures Sunday will climb to around 70 degrees in central Indiana before a powerful cold front sweeps through the area later in the day. According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, gusty south winds will increase through the afternoon, potentially reaching 40 to 50 miles per hour ahead of the approaching storm system.
The main concern arrives Sunday evening into the overnight hours when a line of thunderstorms is expected to move across central Indiana. The storms could bring damaging wind gusts and heavy rain, and forecasters say an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Hamilton County emergency management officials advise residents to monitor weather alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings as the storms approach. The most active period for central Indiana is expected to occur roughly between 8 p.m. Sunday and early Monday morning.
Rainfall totals of around one-half to three-quarters of an inch are possible as the system moves through the region.
Once the cold front passes, temperatures will drop sharply overnight. By early Monday morning, readings that were near 70 degrees Sunday afternoon could fall into the 30s.
Monday will feel much more like winter returning to the region. The National Weather Service forecast calls for strong west winds and scattered snow showers during the day. While snowfall totals are expected to remain light for most areas, forecasters say localized bursts of snow could briefly reduce visibility and produce quick coatings on roadways.
High temperatures Monday will struggle to reach the mid-30s, with wind gusts potentially approaching 35 miles per hour.
The combination of falling temperatures, gusty winds and intermittent snow showers could create slick spots on bridges and overpasses during the morning commute.
Duke Energy is encouraging customers to prepare for the possibility of power outages due to strong winds and storms. The utility recommends charging phones and electronic devices, securing outdoor items that could blow around, and avoiding downed power lines if outages occur.
The colder air will continue to settle in Monday night with temperatures dropping into the teens, and wind chills early Tuesday could fall near zero.
For residents in Fishers and across Hamilton County, the next two days will feature a little bit of everything — from spring warmth and severe weather potential to a quick return to winter conditions.