Indianapolis woke Tuesday, May 5, 2026 to light rain and patchy fog, with temperatures around 55°F at Indianapolis International Airport. That soggy start is just the opening act. The wet pattern will strengthen through the morning, with showers and thunderstorms developing by late morning and lingering into the afternoon. Expect temperatures to slip into the low 50s by the late-afternoon commute.
Afternoon Rain And The Commute
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to ramp up after 9 a.m., with the heaviest bands most likely during the midday and afternoon hours. New rainfall amounts of roughly a half to three-quarters of an inch are possible, and gusty northwest winds could push gusts near 18 mph. Those conditions can reduce visibility and cause ponding on roadways. According to the National Weather Service forecast, drivers should allow extra time and watch for standing water during peak periods.
Flooding Risk For Low-Lying Areas
Repeated downpours could produce localized flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and agricultural fields, particularly where soils are already wet from earlier rains. The National Weather Service's heavy-rain outlook notes that flood advisories or localized warnings are possible later today and tonight if thunderstorms train over the same spots. If you encounter standing water on a roadway, find an alternate route and do not drive through it.
Short-Term Outlook
Cooling and drier air should arrive Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the upper 50s to around 60 and partly to mostly sunny skies. Additional rain chances return late Friday and again Sunday, so keep outdoor plans flexible into the weekend.
Stay Informed
This updates the May 4 forecast with new timing and flood-risk details; see the earlier Hoodline forecast for background on the stormier Tuesday setup. For the latest watches or advisories, monitor the National Weather Service and local officials.
