South Bend, Ind. – A wet weekend is setting up across northern Indiana as showers and thunderstorms spread into the region Friday evening, bringing periods of heavy rain and the potential for isolated strong storms through Sunday. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few stronger storms Saturday afternoon could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph, particularly across portions of central and eastern northern Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, rain chances begin increasing west of Interstate 69 Friday evening before expanding east overnight. Storm coverage becomes much more widespread on Saturday, with rain chances climbing to 70% to 90% across much of the region.
The greatest concern for stronger storms will be Saturday afternoon along and south of the IN-218 and IN-18 corridors, including Grant, Blackford, Jay, Wells and Adams counties, where the Storm Prediction Center has placed the area under a Level 1 of 5 (Marginal Risk) for severe weather. The primary hazard will be damaging wind gusts approaching 60 mph, though frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall could also create hazardous conditions.
Communities including South Bend, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Marion, Huntington and Bluffton should prepare for periods of rain that may reduce visibility and create ponding on roads. Localized flooding is possible where heavier thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas.
Rain and storm chances continue into Sunday, with the highest coverage expected during the morning, especially south of U.S. 24, before gradually tapering later in the day. High temperatures will cool into the mid-70s to around 80 degrees for the weekend, providing relief from the recent heat.
Residents should monitor the latest forecasts, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Additional watches or warnings may be issued if storms become more organized.
Five-Day Forecast for South Bend, Indiana
- Friday: High 82–89°F. Increasing clouds with showers and thunderstorms developing this evening. Low 64–70°F.
- Saturday: High 74–80°F. Widespread showers and thunderstorms with a 70–90% chance of rain. Isolated strong storms possible.
- Sunday: High 74–79°F. Showers and thunderstorms remain likely, especially during the morning south of U.S. 24.
- Monday: Improving conditions with seasonable temperatures and decreasing rain chances.
- Tuesday: Warm with a mix of sun and clouds and only a slight chance of an afternoon shower.
