Honestly, if you're looking at the weather forecast for French Lick Indiana right now, you might be tempted to just stay in bed with a thick blanket. It’s mid-January. It's Southern Indiana. And yeah, it’s kinda chilly. But there’s a nuance to the weather in Orange County that most generic apps miss because they don't account for the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest.
Right now, as of Friday, January 16, 2026, the mercury is sitting at 40°F. Sounds okay, right? Not quite. With a southwest wind kicking at 11 mph, it actually feels like 33°F out there. If you're heading to the West Baden Springs Hotel to gawk at that massive dome, wear the heavy coat. We've got light rain falling at the moment, and there's a 54% chance it’ll keep dampening the streets through the afternoon.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow is Peeking In
Don't let the rain fool you. Things are shifting.
For the rest of today, Friday, the high is capped at 41°F, but the "real" weather happens tonight. The temperature is going to drop to a low of 28°F. Interestingly, the precipitation is expected to transition. While it's rainy now, there is a 62% chance of snow during the day, tapering off to a 15% chance tonight.
It’s that classic Indiana "slush" phase.
Why the Next 48 Hours Will Be a Shock
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, Saturday is when the real winter bite arrives. We’re looking at a high of only 29°F. That’s a significant drop from today. The wind is shifting to the west at 15 mph, making that 29 degrees feel much more like the teens.
Sunday doesn't offer much relief. It’ll stay cloudy with a high of 26°F and a low of 14°F. If you were hoping for a scenic winter hike, you've gotta be prepared for dry, biting air. Humidity is dropping down to 39%, which is a far cry from the 55% we're seeing today.
What to Expect Next Week
Basically, the "deep freeze" is settling in for a few days before a weird mid-week spike.
- Monday, Jan 19: It’s going to be gorgeous but brutal. Full sun, high of 19°F, low of 8°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Still sunny. A bit warmer at 31°F, but the night still bottoms out at 8°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: This is the curveball. We jump back up to 41°F. But with that warmth comes a 45% chance of snow at night.
Local Microclimates and the "Hollow" Effect
French Lick is weirdly situated. Because of the valley topography, cold air often "pools" in the lower elevations near the resort tracks while the surrounding ridges stay a few degrees warmer. This is why you'll sometimes see frost in the valley when the official forecast says it's above freezing.
🔗 Read more: Green Valley AZ Weather: Why Most Snowbirds Get the Timing Wrong
National Weather Service data often pulls from Huntingburg (KHNB) or even Indianapolis, but French Lick's specific geography means we get more "trapped" moisture. This is why the January humidity stays around 75-80% on average, making the cold feel a lot "wetter" and more bone-chilling than the dry cold you'd find in the plains.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
If you’re visiting the casino or the indoor water park this week, you’re golden. But if you're venturing out:
- Layer for the Wind: That southwest wind is no joke when it funnels through the resort corridors.
- Waterproof Boots: With the rain-to-snow transition happening today, the ground is going to be a mess.
- Check the Dome: If you're at West Baden, the acoustics change with the humidity. It's a nerdy fact, but the "whispering gallery" effect is actually crisper when the air is dry, like it will be this Sunday and Monday.
Actionable Insights
Keep a close eye on the thermometer on Wednesday, January 21. That jump to 41°F followed by a 22°F night is a recipe for black ice on Highway 56. If you're driving in from Louisville or Indy, that mid-week window is the trickiest for travel. Stick to the main roads and avoid the back-country hill paths until the salt trucks have done their thing.