Near record setting temperatures, storm chances this weekend
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Unseasonably hot temperatures with pop up storm chances in the forecast for the holiday weekend.
Tonight:
Early to late evening hours should be quiet and warm, with temperatures sliding only into the middle 70s by late night.
A few isolated showers may be possible after Midnight – mainly for areas west and northwest of Indianapolis.
Lows will be a bit warmer, overnight. Temperatures only dip to the middle to upper 60s Saturday morning.
Saturday:
Should be a relatively dry start for the morning. Could see a few pop up showers and storms developing by late morning. Those chances likely hang around for the 500 Festival Parade – but very much hit or miss – so need need for concern at this point, just be weather aware and have the Storm Track 8 Weather App handy if you are heading downtown.
Scattered storm chances continue through the mid to late afternoon, before winding down in the evening hours.
Highs top out in the middle 80s.
Sunday (Race Day):
Big story will be the heat for Race Day. Humidity will be up as well. We’re looking at green flag temperatures already in the lower 80s, and as fans are making their way home, temperatures will likely be in the lower 90s. It’s important to note, that humidity will also be higher, making the heat index temperatures, or what it will feel like outside, closer to the middle 90s.
This will likely be one of the hottest 500’s on record. The record stands at 92° (1937). There have only been 6 race days with high temperatures topping 90°. This race will likely mark number 7.
Rain Chances?
As of now, our thinking is that much of the race should be in pretty good shape, with pop up storms holding off until mid to late afternoon. Barring several caution laps during the race, we’re hopeful any rain chances should hold off until after the checkered flag drops.
Storms may become a little more numerous closer to dinner time.
8 Day Forecast:
Hot temperatures continue heading into Memorial Day. Expect highs near 90° with dry conditions. Similar weather for Tuesday. Remnants of Sub Tropical Storm Alberto could play a role in our forecast by the middle of next week, potentially providing some much needed rain to the area Wednesday – Friday.
