Indianapolis started Tuesday on a shivery note, with temperatures hovering near 30°F at Indianapolis International Airport. By afternoon, though, sunshine will nudge the metro into the mid 50s. Enjoy the dry day; it is a solid window to run errands or get outside before the weather takes a louder turn later this week.
Afternoon Into Wednesday
Skies stay mostly sunny today with a high near 55 and light southeast breezes, setting up a mild and mostly quiet afternoon. The mild stretch keeps rolling into Wednesday as southerly winds pick up and highs push into the upper 60s. Clouds build Wednesday night, and a few isolated showers or a brief thunderstorm may pop up before the main system arrives.
Thursday Night Threat
The big shift lands on Thursday. Temperatures may surge into the low 80s during the day before a strong cold front sweeps through late. Rain is likely Thursday night, with about a 90% chance of wet weather, including periods of heavy rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Some spots could see 1 to 2 inches of rain, wind gusts may reach roughly 26 to 28 mph, and forecasters say hail is the primary severe concern. According to NWS Indianapolis, both timing and intensity are still subject to some adjustment, so it is worth checking for updates if you have late week plans.
Flooding And Travel Concerns
Grounds are already soggy from earlier March rains, and rivers and creeks south of I 70 are running high. That raises the odds for localized flooding during heavier downpours. Expect ponding on low lying streets and the chance of short term road closures in a few spots. If you live or commute south of I 70, consider alternate routes and skip driving through standing water. For a refresher on how we got here, see our look at recent rises and past impacts.
Friday Chill Then Weekend Rebound
Once the front passes, Friday flips back to chilly with a high near 49 and rain gradually tapering through the day. Temperatures drop into the upper 20s Friday night, which could bring a brief freeze for tender plants. The weekend shapes up drier and more typical for the season: Saturday should be sunny with a high near 52, and Sunday climbs into the low 60s as a warming trend resumes into early next week.
