Sunday, May 17, 2026: Indianapolis wakes up clear, humid, and already on the sticky side, with readings in the mid‑60s this morning and air thick enough to push temperatures up fast. The city is expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s this afternoon before a surge of showers and thunderstorms works back into the region later this week.
Afternoon Heat And Gusts
The National Weather Service is calling for a mostly sunny afternoon with a high near 87°F and south winds of 6 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph. Tonight stays warm, with a low around 68°F. For local timing and the full forecast, check the National Weather Service.
Severe Storm Risk Monday And Tuesday
Storm chances start to ramp up Monday, May 18, then increase further Tuesday, May 19, when scattered to widespread thunderstorms may become organized and strong. The Storm Prediction Center and local forecasters highlight the potential for damaging straight‑line winds, large hail, and pockets of heavy rain that could trigger localized flash flooding. The strongest cells could produce gusts in the upper 20s to low 30s mph.
The most active period looks to be Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night, when some spots could pick up a few tenths to as much as a half‑inch of rain in a short burst.
Plan For The Week
If you have outdoor plans Monday or Tuesday, set up an indoor backup now and secure lightweight patio furniture or decorations, since storms can move in quickly with gusty winds. Avoid driving through standing water and be ready to head inside at the first rumble of thunder. Keep phones charged and keep an eye on local forecasts for rapid updates.
Current Status
As of Sunday morning there are no active watches or warnings for the Indianapolis area, but that could change as the system approaches. Keep monitoring the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center for any new watches or warnings. We will provide updates when watches or warnings are issued that affect central Indiana.
