Indianapolis is starting the day mostly cloudy and chilly around 37°F, with a light south-southwest breeze. Skies should gradually brighten through the afternoon, and temperatures are expected to jump to a high near 65°F. Winds from the south-southwest will run about 6 to 12 mph with gusts up to roughly 22 mph. After that, the real warmup kicks in, with temperatures climbing into the 70s on Monday and potentially reaching the low 80s by Tuesday, March 31, as a stronger system approaches and brings a chance of thunderstorms late Tuesday into Tuesday night.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds will crank up this afternoon and evening, holding near 6 to 12 mph but gusting around 20 to 25 mph. Stronger gusts arrive Monday and Tuesday. Forecasts call for gusts around 30 to 35 mph on Monday, with gusts pushing toward 40 mph on Tuesday as a low pressure system closes in. That is the kind of wind that can flip unsecured patio furniture and tug at lightweight canopies, and it will make crosswinds very noticeable for high-profile vehicles on area highways, according to the National Weather Service.
Tuesday Storms Could Be Strong
The main concern circles Tuesday, March 31, when showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop, especially from late afternoon into the evening. Forecast guidance points to enough organization for a few strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts. The chance of precipitation during the day sits near 40% and then ramps up into the night. New rainfall totals of about a quarter to a half inch are possible Tuesday night, with locally higher amounts if storms repeatedly track over the same neighborhoods, per the National Weather Service.
What This Means For Your Plans
If you are planning outdoor activities Monday or Tuesday, it is smart to line up an indoor option or a solid backup plan. Gusty winds can turn tents and lightweight canopies into kites, so think twice before staking those in exposed spots. On Tuesday evening, expect slick roads during and after the rain, so plan to slow down and give yourself extra time for commutes. Drivers of semis, box trucks, and other high-profile vehicles should be especially cautious on open stretches of I-70 and I-65 where crosswinds may be strongest.
Stay Updated
We will share updates if any watches or warnings are issued, but you should also keep an eye on alerts from the National Weather Service and local officials for the latest details. For some recent context on how quickly conditions can flip, see our earlier forecast on weekend flood jitters. If severe thunderstorm watches or warnings are posted for Marion County or neighboring counties, move to shelter and follow directions from local authorities.
