What is the "sudden stratospheric warming" event that could affect Indiana?

A sudden stratospheric warming event is a normal meteorological phenomenon that can weaken the polar vortex, a low-pressure area in the Arctic, and push cold air southward, potentially causing a dramatic cool down in Indiana.

How will the La Niña event impact Indiana's winter weather?

The La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean is expected to bring more precipitation than average to Indiana, but the impact on temperatures remains uncertain. While the La Niña event is predicted to be weak, it could still influence weather patterns in the region.

When is the cold snap expected to hit Indiana?

Typically, such cold snaps occur later in the winter for Indiana, but this year, the cold weather could arrive earlier than usual, by the end of November 2025.

Home / Weather / Hoosiers Brace for Sudden Stratospheric Warming and Plunging Temperatures

Hoosiers Brace for Sudden Stratospheric Warming and Plunging Temperatures

18 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Sudden stratospheric warming event may weaken polar vortex, bringing cold air to Indiana
Typically, such cold snaps occur later in winter, but could arrive earlier this year
La Niña expected to bring more precipitation, but temperature outlook remains uncertain

Hoosiers Brace for Sudden Stratospheric Warming and Plunging Temperatures

According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, Hoosiers are likely to experience a dramatic cool down by the end of November 2025. This is due to the potential occurrence of a "sudden stratospheric warming" event, which could weaken the low-pressure area in the Arctic known as the polar vortex. This weakening could then push cold air southward, causing temperatures to plummet in Indiana.

While the events leading up to this cold snap are considered normal, the timing and severity of the cold weather may be a bit abnormal. Typically, such cold snaps occur later in the winter for Indiana, and temperatures tend not to dip quite as low in late November. However, this year, the cold weather could arrive earlier than usual.