In 1994, Indiana Plunged Into An Arctic Freeze That Makes Most Winters Look Downright Mild

Winter in Indiana is generally nothing too crazy -- we get some snow, some ice, some cold(ish) temperatures, and then all of a sudden it's spring and we wonder if winter even happened at all! There's usually a few cold snaps, and a couple snowstorms, letting us Hoosiers get out and embrace the season. But not in 1994. In 1994, there was an arctic freeze in Indiana that puts other "cold snaps" to shame. It was an epic event and one long-time Hoosiers will never forget. Let's take a look...

On January 18th-19th, what is now known as the North American cold wave crept over the Midwest, bringing frigid temperatures to the Hoosier state.

This cold wave set a record in Indiana on January 19th, 1994. Temperatures on this morning plummeted to -20 and even -30 degrees, which is practically unheard of in the Hoosier state.

The coldest temperature recorded on this day was in New Whiteland, where the temperature reached an all time low of -36 degrees!

These unexpected cold temperatures were the result of deep snow and a strong arctic pressure. The two combined circled the state, radiating unbelievably cool temperatures for a few days, freezing everything across the state.

Freezing cold temperature records were also made in Kentucky at -37 degrees, Pennsylvania at -22, and Ohio at -25. So, while it might seem bitter cold right now, just be glad we're not experiencing a cold front this extreme!

Were you around to experience this arctic freeze in Indiana in 1994? For more Indiana winter storms that made history, check out five of the absolute worst.