Honestly, if you're standing outside near the Purdue campus or heading over the bridge from downtown Lafayette right now, you already know the answer. It’s cold. Like, "don't leave your coffee in the car" cold.
The actual temperature in Lafayette is 20°F as of Thursday night, January 15, 2026.
But here’s the thing—the number on your phone screen is a total liar. While 20 degrees sounds manageable for a Hoosier winter, the southwest wind cutting through the Wabash Valley at about 9 mph is dragging the feels-like temperature down to a biting 9°F.
Basically, if you aren't wearing those heavy-duty wool socks, you’ve already lost the battle.
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Why it feels colder than the forecast says
Most folks look at the thermometer and think they’re fine. They’re not. Lafayette sits in a bit of a geographic funnel. You've got the river, you've got the flat farm fields to the north and west, and there is absolutely nothing to stop that wind once it gets moving.
Tonight is mostly cloudy with a 10% chance of snow, which is just enough to be annoying but probably not enough to warrant the salt trucks. We’ve seen a high today of 26°F, which was about as "warm" as it got. If you were out earlier when the sun was poking through, it might have felt decent, but the temperature is dropping toward an overnight low of 17°F.
Quick Stats for Tonight (Jan 15)
- Current Temp: 20°F
- RealFeel: 9°F
- Humidity: 63% (kinda damp, which makes the cold stick to your bones)
- Wind: 9 mph from the Southwest
- Precipitation: Scattered flurries possible (35% chance later tonight)
The "January Thaw" is a myth around here
A lot of people think by mid-January we might get a break. Not this year. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has been tracking a stretch of bitter cold across Central Indiana. Tomorrow, Friday, we might actually see the mercury climb to 36°F, but don't get your hopes up for a spring-like vibe. That "warmth" comes with a 50% to 80% chance of snow.
It’s that classic Indiana trade-off. You either get clear, sub-zero skies or "warm" 30-degree days where you’re constantly shoveling slush.
Historically, January is the absolute meanest month in Tippecanoe County. We’re currently sitting right in the thick of it. Average highs for this time of year usually hover around 34°F, so we’re actually running about 8 degrees below the norm today.
Surviving the Lafayette chill
If you're new to the area—maybe a student who just moved into the dorms—you've gotta realize that the humidity here (currently at 63%) changes the game. Dry cold is one thing. This is a damp, heavy cold.
- Layers are everything. Don't just wear one giant coat. Wear a base layer that wicks moisture.
- Watch the wind. Since it's coming from the southwest tonight, the east side of buildings will be your best friend if you're walking.
- Check your tires. Cold snaps like this cause the air pressure in your tires to tank. If your "low tire" light isn't on yet, it probably will be by tomorrow morning.
What’s coming next?
Looking ahead at the forecast for the rest of the week, the cold isn't going anywhere. We’re expecting more snow showers through Friday night and into Saturday. By Sunday night, we could be looking at lows near 6°F.
If you have plans to be out at the bars on Main Street or heading to a game this weekend, make sure your car's battery is in good shape. These 20-degree nights followed by single-digit dips are prime time for older batteries to give up the ghost.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your anti-freeze: Ensure your vehicle is rated for sub-zero temperatures as the wind chill will stay in the single digits.
- Drip your faucets: If you're in an older house near the North End or downtown, keep a slow drip going tonight to prevent pipe bursts as we hit that 17°F low.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a t-shirt for five minutes, it's too cold for your dog to be out without paws protection or a coat.