Indianapolis, Indiana – Heat shimmers off pavement, the air feels heavy before lunchtime, and central Indiana is heading into one of its hottest days of the summer. Anyone with outdoor plans should prepare for dangerous heat through this evening while keeping an eye on skies that could rapidly turn stormy later today. The combination of oppressive humidity and developing thunderstorms could create a difficult afternoon and evening for commuters across Indianapolis and much of central Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. EDT, with heat index values expected to reach 110 degrees across portions of central, west-central, southwest and south-central Indiana. Forecasters also warn that thunderstorms developing this afternoon and continuing into tonight may become severe, producing damaging wind gusts and localized flooding.
Drivers along Interstates 65, 69, 70 and 74, as well as I-465 around Indianapolis, should remain alert for rapidly changing weather after the afternoon commute begins. Wet pavement, reduced visibility and isolated ponding on roads could slow traffic where heavier storms develop. While tornadoes are not the primary concern today, meteorologists continue monitoring the atmosphere for any stronger storms capable of producing isolated severe weather.
The dangerous heat is part of a broader heat wave stretching across much of the central United States. At the same time, a cold front pushing toward the Midwest is expected to spark stronger thunderstorms before gradually bringing cooler, less humid air into Indiana by midweek.
By Tuesday, skies begin clearing as temperatures ease into the upper 80s. Wednesday looks even more comfortable with abundant sunshine and highs in the mid-80s before warmer weather slowly returns later in the week. Rain chances remain relatively low until another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms approaches Friday into the weekend.
If you’re spending time outside today, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned buildings, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. Charge mobile devices ahead of any storms and stay weather-aware if you have afternoon travel plans.
Looking beyond this week, longer-range outlooks continue signaling above-normal temperatures returning during the 6-to-10-day period, suggesting summer heat is likely to remain a recurring theme into early August.
Five-Day Forecast for Indianapolis, Indiana
- Today: High near 90°. Partly sunny with a 30% chance of thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Some storms could become severe. Heat index up to 100°.
- Tuesday: High 86°. Morning clouds giving way to afternoon sunshine.
- Wednesday: Sunny with a high near 84° and lower humidity.
- Thursday: Sunny and pleasant with a high around 86°.
- Friday: High near 86°. Slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms (20%).
