Support Us Button Widget

Remembering Indy’s coldest day on record

Indy’s coldest day on record was Jan. 19, 1994 when the city hit -27°.

INDYtoday: INDY_coldest day Jan. 19 1994 Indianapolis Star_JAN25

Talk about the dead of winter.

Newsclipping courtesy of Indianapolis Star

There’s no getting around it: It’s cold, Indy.

With another arctic blast upon us, we’re staying inside and looking back at some of the headlines on the coldest day the Circle City has ever had.

The day the cold set records

Indy’s coldest day on record took place on Jan. 19, 1994 when temperatures hit a record-breaking -27°. Imagine that with wind chill... brrrr.

That sure puts this weather in perspective, huh? The closest we’ve come to that temperature this year so far was when temps got to 5° on Jan. 9.

What the headlines said

So, what else was going on in Indy on the coldest day on record? It was a harsh week for natural disasters across the country. Our newspapers continued to report on Los Angeles’ Northridge earthquake, which happened on Jan. 17, 1994 and killed 57 people.

The papers also covered the intense weather we were having at the time — reminding Hoosiers that while we had it bad, it could always be worse, with northern Michigan reporting wind chills of -70°.

How to weather the weather today

Ok, so we’re not breaking records (yet), but that doesn’t mean braving this weather is easy. Thankfully, we have plenty of world-class museums you can explore for a fun day indoors, or some incredibly tasty soups you can order for delivery if leaving the house isn’t the vibe.

Don’t forget to check in on our city’s inclement weather resources and take a peek at what the rest of the season has in store for us. Who knows, maybe this will be a record-breaking year after all.

More from INDYtoday
Looking for a last minute gift that will deliver for months (or years) to come? Check out these memberships, clubs, and subscription boxes from local businesses.
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a new place to try, INDYtoday’s coffee shop guide has you covered. This list of the best coffee shops in Indy will help you find the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and relax.
From slices of traditional pepperoni to ricotta cheese + hot honey, dig into Indy’s must-try pizza shops.
Football is better with friends. Watch the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles square off at one of these watch parties.
Paris has Notre Dame, London has Westminster, and Indy has Christ Church Cathedral — plus several other buildings that have been around for nearly 200 years.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Circle City.
We found several floral events around Valentine’s Day that will help you pick flowers + arrange them for yourself or your special someone.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Indianapolis has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
More than 65,000 fans are expected to pack into Lucas Oil Stadium to see their favorite WWE superstars.