Indianapolis is squeezing in one more pleasant day before the atmosphere flips the script. Early this morning, Indianapolis International Airport (KIND) reported clear skies and about 45°F as a strengthening southerly breeze kicked in. A warm, bright afternoon is on tap with a high near 72°F and gusts up to around 25 mph by mid-afternoon. Clouds will thicken tonight, with low stratus and some patchy drizzle possible before dawn, which should keep overnight lows in the low 60s. The bigger concern arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday, when heavy rain and thunderstorms, including a chance for severe storms, could drop locally heavy totals and aggravate flooding south of I-70.
Afternoon Gusts And Tonight's Low Clouds
Southerly winds will ramp up into the 7 to 15 mph range with gusts near 25 mph by mid-afternoon, enough to shuffle unsecured yard furniture and make high-profile vehicles a bit of a handful. Sunshine dominates much of the day, but low clouds pushing in from the southwest will spread over the area later and may squeeze out some patchy drizzle overnight. Temperatures stay on the mild side, so expect a muggy night instead of a crisp, cool breeze.
Midweek Rain And Thunderstorms
Tuesday’s highs should reach the mid-70s before scattered showers start to fill in during the afternoon, followed by a more organized line or cluster of storms Tuesday night into Wednesday. A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible across much of central Indiana, with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas, a setup that can trigger flash flooding and localized urban flooding. Forecasters also highlight a credible risk for severe storms, including damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes, during the Tuesday night into Wednesday morning window, according to the NWS Indianapolis.
Flooding Risk South Of I-70
Rivers and creeks south of I-70 are already running high from earlier rounds of rain, and the midweek soaking could drag out or worsen minor to moderate river flooding in low-lying areas. Drivers should skip the heroics and never try to drive through standing water, with low underpasses and neighborhood streets among the most vulnerable spots. Residents in flood-prone areas would be wise to move valuables off the floor and be ready for temporary closures or travel restrictions. Keep tabs on local alerts and official channels if you live or commute south of the interstate.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans Tuesday night or Wednesday, shift them indoors or lock in a solid backup and build in extra travel time. Tie down or store loose yard items and avoid parking or walking under large trees once gusts pick up on Wednesday. Check the National Weather Service and local emergency alerts before heading out, and follow road closure signs. Turn Around, Don't Drown when you come across flooded roadways. Stay weather-aware and be ready to tweak your plans as the storms roll through.
