Today started clear and mild in Indianapolis, with temperatures around 59°F at the airport, and it will feel a lot more like summer by midafternoon. Highs are headed for about 84°F, with south winds building through the day before thunderstorms roll into the region late Friday night into early Saturday.
Afternoon Heat Peaks
Mostly sunny skies this afternoon should help temperatures climb to around 84°F, while a light south wind increases to 2–10 mph with gusts up to about 18 mph. That puts Indianapolis within a few degrees of the April record high of 87°F. According to NWS Indianapolis, warm southerly flow and a passing front will send temperatures unusually high and load the atmosphere with enough energy to fuel showers and thunderstorms later.
Scattered showers and storms are most likely from late Friday evening, April 17, into early Saturday, April 18, roughly between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Expect localized downpours of around 0.25–0.5 inches and blustery winds. Some storms could turn severe across western portions of central Indiana late Friday night, with damaging straight-line winds the main concern and isolated tornadoes also possible, the weather service says.
Timing And Impacts
Storms arriving late Friday, April 17, could deliver brief heavy rain and sudden gusts that turn evening outdoor events soggy and make the late commute a headache. It is a good idea to secure patio furniture, tarps and grills, and have an indoor backup plan for anything scheduled after about 7 p.m. For more context on this warm, windy stretch, see our sticky heat and rowdy storms report from earlier this week.
Saturday And Weekend Outlook
Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Saturday, April 18, with a cooler high near 67°F as winds swing around to the west and gust into the mid‑20s (around 25 mph). Some spots could pick up heavier rainfall totals Saturday, roughly a half to three‑quarters of an inch where storms linger, before a drier, much cooler air mass settles in for Sunday, April 19.
Sunday should be bright but blustery, with highs near 58°F and northwest winds, followed by a chilly night into Monday, April 20. Lows are expected to dip into the 30s, bringing the potential for frost in sheltered areas.
Plan Ahead
Keep an eye on weather alerts through Friday evening and be ready to move outdoor activities inside on short notice. If a severe warning is issued, head to an interior room away from windows. Protect sensitive plants before Saturday night, and avoid driving through standing water, since even shallow-looking puddles can conceal deeper washouts. Check for updates from local officials and the National Weather Service as watches and warnings are adjusted and conditions evolve.
