Today started on a deceptively calm note in Indianapolis, with clear, cool conditions around 57°F at the airport and muggy air already in place. Forecasts call for a warm, blustery afternoon, with scattered showers and thunderstorms firing up later in the day and becoming more widespread into the evening.
Severe Storm Risk
The Storm Prediction Center has parts of Illinois and Indiana under a Moderate risk for severe thunderstorms today, signaling that an outbreak is possible with damaging winds, very large hail and several intense tornadoes. Forecasters are highlighting the potential for swaths of wind greater than 75 mph in the strongest cells, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Afternoon Storms And Timing
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop after about 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, with the main complex of storms most likely rolling in late this evening and continuing into the overnight hours into Thursday, June 18. Some storms could turn severe and produce heavy rain. The National Weather Service notes that new rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible overnight and that southwest winds may gust around 40 mph, with a few gusts to 45 mph outside of storms, per the National Weather Service Indianapolis.
Commute And Safety
Drivers, cyclists and IndyGo riders should be ready for sudden downpours and brief visibility reductions on wet roads this evening, so plan on giving yourself extra time. Secure patio furniture and any lightweight objects that could turn into projectiles, and avoid driving through standing water. High-profile vehicles should use extra caution where crosswinds are strongest. We first flagged this setup in our recent stormy sneak attack coverage.
Looking Ahead
The front is expected to clear the area by Thursday, bringing mostly sunny skies and a high near 76°F with breezy west winds. Dry weather should hold through the weekend with highs in the low 80s, although showers and thunderstorms are forecast to return Sunday night into Monday, so keep an eye on updates if you have outdoor plans lined up.
