When does Summer begin? Astronomers will tell you 7:09pm on June 20th. Meteorologists start their Summer stats on June 1st. People that run swimming pools go for Memorial Day Weekend. Allow me to narrow it down further.
If you’re in Indy, I think “Summer” starts when the gates open on Carb Day. And Summer weather’s waiting for you at the 16th and Georgetown “party before the race.”
The frontal system I’ve been advertising for the end of the work week is here on schedule, and will meander around central Indiana, so just be ready for a stray shower or storm Trackside this afternoon, along with a mix of sun and clouds. That Carb Day chance will diminish tonight faster than you can say “Lynyrd Skynyrd.”
The front exits to the north early Saturday morning, opening the spigots on heat and humidity for the weekend. The humidity levels will remain below Heat Advisory criteria, if that’s any consolation.
Will we break records? Yes, on Sunday. The all-time top temperature at Indianapolis International Airport on an Indy 500 Race Day is 92 degrees, from 1937. The high temp record for May 27 itself is 94. Close, but I think we’ll get that one also.
Indiana’s most social weatherman has some other answers:
Question from @toddcopeland1: @PaulPoteet I know its going to be hot this weekend but how will the wind be @IMS on Sunday?”
Nothing out of the ordinary. I’m expecting a south/southwest wind around 10mph. Random fact: the average wind speed on ALL Race Days is 8.9mph, from the south.
And @HMATTHIAS asks “@PaulPoteet Will it ever rain again? Should I just invest in cactus and rocks?”
Don’t give up on the green yet. The 8-14 day outlook at least promises normal temperatures and precipitation. We could use it. The new weekly maps are in from the U.S. Drought Monitor, and they show the “Abnormally Dry” area covering about twice as much real estate as it did last week.
The dry area in north central and northeastern Indiana is spreading southward to Kokomo and Marion, and the dry conditions of southwestern Indiana are working their way northeast, to Bloomfield and French Lick.
Evansville is on the edge of a “Moderate Drought” that worsens as you head south into Kentucky. Mister Weatherman hopes the bourbon crop still comes in ok.
INDY ALMANAC:
The average high today is 76 and the average low is 56. Records are 93 and 34. Sunrise is 6:23 and sunset is 9:02.
UV INDEX:
The Indianapolis Index is down a notch today at “8,” which is still “Very High.”
POLLEN COUNT:
The Count should rise slowly through the long holiday weekend, but remain in the “Medium-High” category throughout.
DETAILED INDIANAPOLIS FORECAST:
Today: Mostly to partly sunny, with a slight chance of scattered showers and storms, mainly in the afternoon. High 88.
Tonight: Partly to mostly clear. Low 68.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, hot and humid. High 92.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear and muggy. Low 70.
Sunny: Sunny, hot and humid. High 95.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear and muggy. Low 73.
Memorial Day: Mostly to partly sunny, hot and humid. Slight chance of an afternoon storm. High 92.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Shower and storm chances. Low 70.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with chances of showers and storms. High 82.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 60.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 78.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 58.
Thursday: Chances of showers and storms. High 74.
