INDIANAPOLIS | CGN News is publishing the Daily Weather Brief for 3 July 2026 from official National Weather Service forecast products and NOAA weather information for Indianapolis, northwest Indiana, Chicago, St. Louis and Ozark County coverage areas.
The weather pattern remains hot and humid across much of the coverage area. The National Weather Service said dangerous heat would continue through the holiday weekend, while showers and thunderstorms remain possible in several Midwest and Ozarks locations. This is a planning brief, not a substitute for county-specific National Weather Service warnings, local emergency instructions or real-time radar.
Today and tonight
Indianapolis: Chance of showers and thunderstorms; high near 94°F, low around 73°F. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday, followed by a 30% chance Friday night, mainly after 2 a.m. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Friday, followed by a Heat Advisory from 8 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. EDT Saturday, with heat index values that could reach dangerous levels.
Crown Point: Thunderstorms likely later Friday; high near 90°F, low around 72°F. The National Weather Service forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms likely mainly after 3 p.m., with heat index values as high as 101°F. Independence Day also carries likely showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m.
Valparaiso: Thunderstorms likely; high near 89°F, low around 72°F. The National Weather Service forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms likely mainly after 3 p.m., with heat index values as high as 100°F. Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday night and again on Independence Day.
Rensselaer: Chance of afternoon and evening storms; high near 92°F, low around 72°F. The National Weather Service forecast carries a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 1 p.m., with heat index values as high as 104°F. Jasper County is included in an Extreme Heat Warning through Friday evening.
Kentland: Hot and humid with a thunderstorm chance; high near 92°F, low around 71°F. The official alert language for Newton County includes an Extreme Heat Warning through Friday evening, with dangerous heat index values possible during the afternoon. Holiday plans should include shade, water and a way to receive local alerts.
Chicago: Showers and thunderstorms likely; high near 90°F, low around 74°F. The National Weather Service forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms likely mainly after 2 p.m., with heat index values as high as 98°F. Additional showers and thunderstorms are likely Friday night and on Independence Day.
St. Louis: Sunny then a slight chance of storms; high near 96°F, low around 77°F. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., with heat index values as high as 107°F. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for the St. Louis area until 8 p.m. CDT Saturday.
Gainesville: Heat Advisory conditions with isolated storms possible; high near 90°F, low around 73°F. The National Weather Service forecast for the Gainesville area includes a Heat Advisory through Saturday evening and a hot, humid holiday pattern.
Tecumseh: Isolated storms possible; high near 90°F, low around 73°F. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., with heat index values as high as 98°F. Independence Day carries a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midafternoon.
Holiday planning note
Outdoor work, youth sports, festivals, fireworks staging, lake travel and long drives all require extra planning during this heat pattern. Carry water, take breaks in shade or air conditioning, check on vulnerable neighbors and pets, and avoid leaving children or animals in parked vehicles. If thunder is heard, move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle.
Additional Reporting By: National Weather Service / NOAA; National Weather Service Indianapolis Forecast; National Weather Service Crown Point Forecast; National Weather Service Valparaiso Forecast; National Weather Service Chicago Forecast; National Weather Service St. Louis Forecast; National Weather Service Gainesville Forecast; National Weather Service Tecumseh Area Forecast