Fort Wayne, Ind. – Strong thunderstorms could fire up across northern Indiana this afternoon, bringing dangerous lightning, heavy rainfall, and wind gusts up to 50 mph, especially along and south of U.S. 24. Heat indices in those same areas may climb into the mid-90s, adding to safety concerns during peak storm hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, the highest chance for stronger storms comes late this afternoon and early evening. While not widespread, isolated storms may quickly intensify, producing damaging winds and downpours that reduce visibility on major highways, including I-69 and U.S. 30.
Cities at greatest risk include Fort Wayne, Marion, Kokomo, and Muncie. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities during lightning and to move indoors when thunder is heard. Drivers should watch for ponding water on roads and brief power disruptions are possible where storms hit hardest.
Conditions will improve overnight, with storms tapering off and lows settling into the 60s. A welcome cooldown follows midweek, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s by Wednesday and Thursday.
More alerts may be issued later today if storms grow stronger than expected.
