Indianapolis wakes up under clear skies and a sharp April chill this Thursday, April 30. Indianapolis International Airport is starting the morning near 39°F, but sunshine should pull afternoon temperatures up close to 61°F. Northwest winds will run around 6 to 10 mph, with some stronger gusts trying to muscle in later in the day. A weak system slides in late tonight and is expected to kick off rain showers after midnight.
Afternoon Breeze Packs A Punch
Winds will crank up through the afternoon as the surface high slides to the east, turning that light breeze into a more noticeable northwest gust. Gusts could reach around 18 mph, which will make it feel a bit cooler than the thermometer suggests, especially in wide open spots and northeast of the I-74 corridor. If you have lightweight patio furniture or trash bins on the loose, it is a good idea to secure them before heading out. Even with the extra breeze, highs in the low 60s should still make it a decent day for quick walks, curbside pickups, and other outdoor errands.
Late Night Rain Moves In
Rain showers are likely to roll in after midnight and linger into early Friday, with the chance of rain sitting at about 60 percent. Most spots should pick up between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of new rainfall. Overnight lows only slip into the mid 40s, so it will be cool, not frigid, for the early risers. Expect damp pavement and some puddles for the Friday morning commute. According to the National Weather Service, the prime window for showers runs from late tonight through the pre-dawn hours on Friday, May 1.
Weekend Chill And Frost On Deck
High pressure settles back in for Saturday and Sunday, but it drags in cooler air. Afternoon highs will be capped in the mid 50s, and both Saturday and Sunday nights are projected to fall into the upper 30s. The forecast discussion flags strong radiational cooling, which means near-freezing temperatures and light frost are possible Saturday and Sunday mornings along and northeast of the I-74 corridor. It is a noticeable flip from the milder pattern earlier this month, when highs ran much warmer in our April 23 forecast.
Next Week: Slow Warmup, Storms Try A Comeback
A gradual warmup should kick off Monday, May 4, with highs climbing back toward the low 70s. The tradeoff is an uptick in showers and thunderstorms that looks likely Monday and Monday night. Gusty southwest winds could ride along with those storms, and a few stronger cells may bring brief heavy downpours and stronger wind gusts. If you are planning outdoor events or yard work on Monday or Tuesday, May 5, it is worth checking updated forecasts as the setup gets closer.
What To Do
Plan on a jacket for the breezy afternoon, and stash an umbrella or raincoat where you can grab it before any early Friday plans. Gardeners with tender plants outside may want to cover them or bring them in for Saturday and Sunday mornings, when frost is on the table. Otherwise, soak up today’s sunshine, then get ready for a cooler, more unsettled stretch as we head into the weekend and early next week.
