Thursday, May 21 opened on the gray side in Indianapolis, with a blanket of low clouds and cool air holding temperatures near 55°F at Indianapolis International Airport. Skies are expected to stay mostly cloudy through the day, with afternoon highs near 68°F and an east-northeast breeze around 10 to 12 mph. The commute looks overcast and a bit dreary, but there is only a slight chance of showers before evening.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
That east-northeast wind is not going anywhere this afternoon. Gusts could push into the 20 mph range, and higher along exposed stretches and bridges. Under thick clouds, it will feel cooler than the thermometer suggests, and those gusts could easily rattle patio umbrellas and any lawn furniture you forgot to tie down, according to the National Weather Service Indianapolis.
Rain Returns Friday Into the Holiday Weekend
A returning front nudges rain chances back up on Friday, May 22. Showers are possible by mid-morning, with showers and thunderstorms becoming likely by late afternoon and evening. Friday night looks particularly soggy, with heavier storms capable of dropping about a half to three-quarters of an inch of rain in some spots and triggering localized street flooding. Saturday stays unsettled with rain showers likely early, followed by a warmer, muggy Sunday and a continued chance of storms into Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
Flooding Concerns
All that recent rain is still causing trouble along rivers and streams in parts of southern central Indiana. The East Fork White River, Driftwood River, and Flatrock River have seen rises, and some nearby roads and parks are already dealing with high water. The National Weather Service Indianapolis has active flood statements for those rivers and is reminding drivers to heed the classic warning: "Turn around, don't drown" when you come across flooded roads.
How to Plan
For Thursday, plan on a breezy, overcast day and give yourself a little extra travel time if gusts slow things down. Secure anything loose in the yard before the afternoon wind really spins up. If you have outdoor plans Friday night or early Saturday, be ready to move them inside as heavier showers could leave roads and parking lots with standing water, and river levels may stay elevated into next week. Keep local alerts turned on so you can track any changing conditions heading into the holiday.
