Rain chances set to rise as we head into Indy 500 weekend
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Good Thursday morning, everyone! We’re off to another mild start with temps in the 60s nearly statewide. Grab the sunglasses as you head out the door because you’ll need them for the morning drive.
Temperatures will quickly climb into the low 70s by late morning and into the mid to upper 80s this afternoon under sunny skies. An air quality alert is in place, so if you have breathing difficulties, just be aware of the poor conditions before you head out the door.
Our forecast high of 86°, while well above average, is not record breaking on its own, however…
We’ve seen 17 days of 80° heat in Indy already and a streak of 8 more expected to close out the month. That will be enough to make this the hottest May on record here in Indy and the May with the most 80°+ days ever.
While we’re hot and dry here, things are also heating up in the tropics. A cluster of storms near the Yucatan Peninsula has a high chance to become our first named tropical system of the year, Alberto, within the next 5 days as it slides into the eastern gulf. This could eventually provide increased rain chances to Indiana by the middle to the end of next week.
Temperatures will cool into the mid 60s by Carb Day morning under mostly clear skies.
We’ll see another hot and humid day Friday before rain chances increase this Indy 500 weekend.
While the rain chances are there, it will not be a washout. Just keep the umbrella or poncho handy if you are headed to the track or plan on being out and about this weekend.
Rain chances will drop off again by early next week before we see another round of shower and storm chances slide in by next Wednesday and Thursday.