Indianapolis is stepping into a classic spring mess this Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Morning temperatures are sitting in the mid 60s with a breezy southwest flow, and the city is on track to top out near 79 this afternoon. As the warmth builds, so does the chance for showers and thunderstorms later in the day, along with gusty conditions that could nudge cars on the interstate and turn unsecured lawn furniture into projectiles.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds are expected to strengthen to around 15 to 21 mph this afternoon, with gusts near 35 mph and some stronger bursts inside any thunderstorms. Aviation briefings warn that low-level wind shear could bring brief MVFR conditions and possible flight delays in heavier storms, according to the National Weather Service Indianapolis.
Showers And Flood Risk Tonight Through Thursday
A frontal zone will slide into central Indiana tonight, turning showers and thunderstorms into a likely bet through Wednesday and again Thursday. Pockets of heavier rain could drop around a quarter to a half inch overnight, with additional rounds possible later in the week. With rivers and soils already running high in parts of central Indiana, multiple rounds of soaking rain raise the risk of renewed minor river and urban flooding, especially along the Wabash and along portions of the White and East Fork White rivers. See the National Weather Service flood outlook for river forecasts and more detail.
How To Prepare
Bring in or secure loose outdoor furniture and garden gear before the strongest winds arrive, and plan for a little extra travel time this afternoon and tonight. If you encounter standing or flowing water on the road, turn around and find another way through. Keep tabs on local warnings and your preferred weather alert system for any short-fuse severe thunderstorm or flood statements.
