Light rain is already falling across Indianapolis this morning, Thursday, June 25, with temperatures hanging in the mid 60s as the city gets moving. Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are in the cards through the day, with a high near 83°F and a west-southwest breeze around 5 to 10 mph. The big headache this afternoon will be pockets of locally heavy downpours that could quickly pond water on streets and tangle up commutes.
Flood Watch And Local Flood Risk
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from late Thursday afternoon, June 25, through Saturday morning, June 27, for southwest portions of central Indiana, where 1 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher totals, are on the table. According to National Weather Service Indianapolis, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will bring periods of torrential rain, ramping up the threat of localized flash flooding. Folks in low-lying spots and along smaller creeks should keep an eye out for quick water rises and roads that may suddenly go under.
When The Rain Will Hit
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible before 8 a.m. Thursday, June 25, with another round expected to bubble up through the afternoon and early evening. The steadiest activity looks most likely from mid afternoon into the early evening hours. Most daytime storms will be disorganized pulse cells, but when one of those storms collapses it can briefly unload heavy rain and produce an isolated damaging wind gust. New rainfall amounts today should stay under a tenth of an inch in many neighborhoods, although a few spots could see significantly higher totals under heavier cells.
Friday And Weekend Outlook
The better shot at soaking, more widespread rain arrives Friday, June 26, into Friday night, June 26 to 27, as a richer feed of Gulf moisture teams up with stronger low-level convergence. Forecasters are calling out pockets of three-quarters to one inch of rain across the southern half of the forecast area. For a look back at how similar setups have played out recently, see coverage of recent soaking storms. Flooding will be most likely where storms train over the same locations, so it is smart to avoid driving through standing water and to respect any road closures.
Heat Returns Next Week
Once this frontal system moves on, a ridge will build in and flip the switch to summer heat Monday through Wednesday, June 29 to July 1. Highs are expected to jump into the lower to mid 90s, with heat index values climbing into the low 100s. If you are planning outdoor time later next week, prepare for the heat, stay hydrated, and check on neighbors and pets during the hottest part of the day. A few isolated late-day storms could pop up by midweek, but the dominant theme will be hotter and more humid conditions.
