Indianapolis eased into Friday, May 22, under a blanket of clouds and a cool 57°F start, with light east northeast breezes quietly working over the city. The calm will not last. Isolated showers are expected to pop up early this afternoon, with rain chances steadily ramping up toward a more organized round of showers and thunderstorms by evening. Highs will top out near 67°F before slipping a few degrees later in the day as clouds thicken and the rain settles in, setting up a damp ride home for the evening commute.
Afternoon Rain And Thunderstorms
Forecasters are eyeing the period between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, May 22, for the first isolated showers, with the threat of showers and thunderstorms climbing through the rest of the afternoon and into Friday night. Gusts may briefly push up near 18 mph. Most spots will likely see a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain where activity stays lighter, while the east metro could pick up pockets of a quarter to a half inch overnight where heavier downpours track through. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service Indianapolis flag elevated rain chances this afternoon and evening and recommend checking back for updated forecasts as the day goes on.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
The main issues through tonight will be wet roads and brief reductions in visibility under heavier showers, so plan on a little extra time for both the afternoon and evening drives. If you have outdoor plans, waterproof gear is your friend, and it is worth having an indoor backup ready to go if storms start firing. Any stronger storm cells could produce lightning, which is enough to pause games, concerts, and backyard gatherings. Gusty easterly winds may also shove around lighter outdoor items, so it is a good time to secure patio furniture and trash cans before the rain ramps up.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday looks like a step in the right direction for anyone itching to be outside. Temperatures should warm into the mid 70s, with mostly cloudy skies and only a slight chance of lingering morning showers. By Sunday, May 24, the warmup continues, with highs near 79°F and a more noticeable chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms returning to the picture. Memorial Day Monday, May 25, is projected to be the warmest of the stretch, with highs near 82°F and a smaller chance of showers confined mainly to the morning and early afternoon. If skies can clear for stretches between passing systems, temperatures are expected to run above normal into next week.
Indy 500 And Memorial Day Weekend
Race fans eyeing the 110th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will want to plan for the weather as carefully as their route to the track. The current outlook calls for scattered showers or storms, especially in the afternoon, which could make for a stop and start feel to race day plans. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is posting event details and schedule information, so fans should keep an eye there for any updates. Whether you are in the stands or tailgating nearby, allow extra time for traffic and parking during peak arrival and departure windows, and be ready to adapt if storms drift over the track.
What To Bring
If you are heading out today or over the holiday weekend, a compact umbrella, a light waterproof jacket, and shoes with good grip on slick sidewalks will serve you well. Keep tabs on radar and local forecasts before you leave, since conditions could change quickly if storms redevelop. Event organizers may temporarily halt outdoor activities if lightning moves in, so flexibility is key. No watches or warnings are in effect this morning, but with rain and storms in the mix later today and into the weekend, a quick forecast check could save you from getting caught in a downpour at exactly the wrong time.
