The temperature Sunday in Indianapolis was not only the daily record high, but also a new record for the month of March, according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, which recorded a high of 88 degrees.
The previous daily record in Indianapolis was 82 degrees on March 22, 1907. The previous warmest day on record for the month of March was 85 degrees set on March 31, 1981.
Indianapolis area sets new heat records March 2026
Meteorologists said this is the earliest Indianapolis has seen such a high temperature. The earliest day of 88-degree weather previously recorded was April, 11 1930.
Since 1942, Indianapolis only exceeded 85 degrees once prior to April 23, and that was when the temperature reached 87 on April 18, 1977.
Colder weather returns to Central Indiana after record warm day
On Sunday night, the temperature dropped 40 degrees in under 4.5 hours according to NWS Indianapolis.
According to the forecast, temperatures will continue to fluctuate throughout the week, with overnight lows expected to drop into the 30s and 40s, while highs get close to the 50s and 70s during the day.
When is the final frost date for Central Indiana?
On average, the last freeze date for Indianapolis usually falls around April 15. The earliest it has ever been was March 24, 1998 while the latest it has ever been was May 27, 1961.
John Tufts contributed to this story.
Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@indystar.com. Follow her on Bluesky, Twitter and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis set three new weather records. Just how hot was March 22?
Reporting by Katie Wiseman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
