Indianapolis is starting Thursday on a mild and mostly clear note, sitting around 59°F at Indianapolis International Airport early this morning with a light south-southwest breeze. Sunshine will do its thing through the day, sending temperatures into the lower 80s this afternoon and making it the warmest day of the week so far.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Those calm early breezes will not stay that way. Southwest winds will ramp up through the morning and turn breezy by midday, with sustained speeds in the teens and gusts that could reach around 23 mph this afternoon. Patios and parks should still feel pleasant, just on the blustery side, so secure lightweight items and expect flags and tree branches to stay in motion.
Storms Possible Friday
Late tonight into Friday, a frontal system moves in and changes the mood. Showers and thunderstorms are expected after about 8 a.m., and the chance of rain is high for Friday. New rainfall amounts are projected to land around a tenth to a quarter of an inch. An isolated strong to marginally severe storm cannot be ruled out, with damaging wind gusts the main concern. For the full breakdown and timing, check the National Weather Service Indianapolis.
Weekend Into Next Week
Surface high pressure should calm things down for Saturday and Sunday. Expect highs in the low to mid 70s and lighter winds for a quieter weekend. Another stronger system is set to approach on Monday with an increased chance for showers and storms, so keep that in mind as you plan early next week.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans today, enjoy the sun but lock down any loose patio gear before those afternoon gusts kick in. For Friday events, it is smart to have a backup plan or a quick indoor option and keep a jacket handy for brief, heavier showers. Stay tuned to local updates and watch for any advisories if storms start trending stronger.
