INDIANAPOLIS — Central Indiana is poised for a soggy weekend as strong winds and heavy rain are predicted over the coming days.
Today, scattered showers and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms will move through the region this morning, driven by a surface front that is expected to shift southward throughout the day. Rain chances should diminish by late morning, leaving behind a humid afternoon characterized by mid-80s temperatures.
As night falls, the evening should start quietly, with mostly cloudy skies. However, an upper-level weather system is anticipated to generate scattered showers and thunderstorms after midnight into early Saturday morning, with lows dropping to the lower 70s.
The main weather event will unfold this weekend as several weather systems move into Indiana. Scattered showers are likely early Saturday morning, but the most significant storms are predicted for the afternoon, between 2 PM and 8 PM. An organized mesoscale convective system (MCS) from the west could bring damaging winds and potentially hail. While there may be some risk for tornadoes, the most favorable tornado conditions will likely be restricted to northern parts of the state.
A particular concern will be localized flooding, given the expected heavy rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour during storms. As the day progresses, clusters of thunderstorms will likely continue into the evening and overnight but may become less organized, meaning that many areas could remain surprisingly dry.
Sunday will see ongoing rain and thunderstorms, maintaining the potential for heavy precipitation and localized flooding, especially in regions already soaked from Saturday. Highs will remain in the mid-80s on both weekend days, aligning with seasonal expectations.
Looking ahead to next week, the active weather pattern could persist, with scattered rain expected on Monday and Tuesday, but the emergence of a heat dome is forecast for mid-week. This could usher in dangerously high temperatures ranging from the low to mid-90s, paired with heat indices climbing between 105 and 110°F, offering no respite from the humidity and heat.
Residents should remain vigilant and monitor weather updates throughout this transitional weather phase, as conditions can change rapidly. The community can take comfort in the anticipation of clearer skies after the weekend storm systems pass, bringing a typical summer heat to enjoy outdoor activities.