INDIANAPOLIS | Central Indiana remains warm and unsettled Wednesday before a cold front brings severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty winds during the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service point forecast for Indianapolis calls for a high near 82°F and a nighttime low near 67°F, followed by cooler and much quieter weather Thursday and Juneteenth.
Wednesday
Temperatures should rise toward a high near 82°F Wednesday afternoon.
Showers and thunderstorms become more likely after 3 p.m. Some storms could become severe. South winds of 9 to 15 mph may gust as high as 28 mph before the strongest storms arrive.
The chance of precipitation is about 60% during the afternoon. Rainfall should generally remain below one-tenth of an inch before evening, although thunderstorms can produce locally higher totals.
Wednesday night
Showers and thunderstorms are expected through the evening, mainly before 1 a.m. The low should fall to around 67°F.
Some storms may become severe and produce heavy rainfall. West-southwest winds of 11 to 21 mph may gust as high as 38 mph.
The forecast indicates a 100% chance of rain, with 1 to 2 inches possible. Higher localized totals may occur where storms repeatedly cross the same area.
Thursday
Conditions improve quickly Thursday. Indianapolis should become mostly sunny with a high near 77°F.
West winds of 10 to 13 mph may gust as high as 23 mph. Thursday night should be mostly clear and cooler, with a low near 58°F.
The drier air will make Thursday the best recovery day for outdoor work, travel and cleanup after Wednesday night’s storms.
Juneteenth
Friday, observed as Juneteenth, should be sunny with a high near 78°F.
Light west winds will become west-northwest at 5 to 9 mph during the morning. Friday night should remain mostly clear with a low around 60°F.
The forecast is favorable for outdoor ceremonies, community events and evening activities, although people should still check for local updates after Wednesday’s severe weather.
Saturday
Saturday should remain mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 81°F.
Winds will be light, becoming west at 5 to 7 mph during the afternoon. Saturday night should be partly cloudy with a low near 63°F.
The day currently appears suitable for outdoor recreation, yard work and travel.
Sunday
Rain chances return Sunday. Showers and thunderstorms may develop during the day and become more likely after 2 p.m.
Sunday’s high should reach about 80°F. The chance of precipitation is 70% during the day.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday night, with a low near 64°F and a 90% chance of rain. Travelers and outdoor-event organizers should keep a rain plan available.
Early next week
Showers and thunderstorms remain likely Monday, with a high near 78°F. Monday night should become partly cloudy with a low around 59°F.
Tuesday currently looks mostly sunny with a high near 79°F.
Severe-weather potential
The National Weather Service expects two rounds of thunderstorms Wednesday. The first may affect mainly the northern two-thirds of central Indiana during the afternoon. A second, more widespread round is expected from late afternoon through the evening.
Damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes and heavy rain are all possible. Flash flooding may develop where storms produce repeated downpours.
Outside thunderstorms, winds may gust near 40 mph during the afternoon and evening.
Travel and outdoor planning
Wednesday afternoon and evening are the poorest periods for travel and outdoor events. Drivers may encounter sudden visibility reductions, ponding water, fallen branches and strong crosswinds.
Thursday through Saturday offer the most favorable conditions for outdoor plans. Sunday becomes unsettled again as showers and thunderstorms return.
Safety
Keep wireless emergency alerts enabled and identify a sturdy interior shelter before storms arrive. Go indoors when thunder is heard and stay away from windows during severe storms.
Never drive through flooded roads. Water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears, and pavement can be damaged beneath the surface.
This forecast may change as storms develop. Use current National Weather Service watches and warnings for immediate decisions.
Additional Reporting By: National Weather Service Indianapolis Point Forecast; National Weather Service Indianapolis Weather Story; National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook; NOAA.