Earlier this week Central Indiana felt like winter, and this weekend it might feel like summer with near 80-degree temperatures. The first official day of spring 2026, however, is Friday, March 20.
Here’s what to know.
First day of spring 2026 ushers vernal equinox
Friday, March 20, is the first day of spring this year in the astronomical calendar. It’s also the date of the vernal equinox.
NOAA issues spring 2026 weather outlook; Midwest has chance for above normal temperatures
Over the next three months, Indiana has a 33-50% chance of seeing above normal temperatures April through June, according to a seasonal outlook map issued by NOAA earlier March 19.
Warmer temperatures are expected also for West Coast states like Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. The weather is looking to veer warmer than average in most states across the country over the next three months.
Indiana is looking at equal chances of precipitation, per NOAA
From April to June, Indiana has equal chances for either above or below normal precipitation, according to NOAA. The Hoosier state, including parts of western Ohio, most of Kentucky and Illinois have the same chance.
How warm is spring usually in Indianapolis?
The average daily high in Indianapolis, according to NWS, is about 52 degrees Fahrenheit in March, 64 in April and 73 in May. Lows during those same three months range an average from the low 30s to low 50s.
Records kept by NWS show the average total rainfall around Indianapolis from March through May equals 12.78 inches.
Monthly Climate Averages for Indianapolis (1991-2020), per NWS.
What are the spring months?
March, April and May are considered spring months for the Northern Hemisphere in the meteorological calendar. In the astronomical calendar, which is based on the Earth’s position to the sun, spring lasts from March 20, 2026, until the summer solstice on June 20, 2026.
Story continues after photo gallery.
What is the vernal equinox? Prepare for nearly 12 hours of sunshine
The vernal equinox marks the changing of seasons. For the Northern Hemisphere, winter recedes into spring. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s reversed. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Brazil welcome the start of autumn.
On March 20, the sun will shine directly over Earth’s equator, creating roughly 12 hours of day and night across the world. Equinox, if you were wondering, means “equal night” in Latin, when nighttime and daytime are about equal lengths everywhere on the planet.
What are the dates for the four seasons in 2026?
Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@indystar.com. Follow her on Bluesky, Twitter and Instagram.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Spring is officially here! What it means for Indiana in 2026
Reporting by Katie Wiseman and John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
