Tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of people will arrive at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana for the 108th running of the Indy 500. The race is traditionally held each year on Memorial Day Weekend and, for many, marks the start of the summer season.
While weather conditions have varied over the years—from rain to heat to even snow—most years have seen the race run and completed on the scheduled day. The Indy 500 has only been postponed three times in its history: in 1915, 1986, and 1997. However, with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for the Indianapolis area tomorrow, many are wondering if this will be the fourth postponement.
The Storm Prediction Center out of Norman, Oklahoma, has placed Indianapolis, IN, in an Enhanced risk of severe weather for Sunday, May 25, 2024. This corresponds to a level 3 out of 5 on the severe weather risk scale, with only Moderate and High risks being greater. While damaging winds are expected to be the primary severe threat, large hail, and even tornadoes will also be a concern.
The current forecast indicates two waves of rain and storms impacting the Ohio Valley region, including Indianapolis. As of now, dry conditions are expected to persist into central Indiana tomorrow morning. However, afternoon forecast data suggests a line of thunderstorms will move into the Indianapolis area between 11 am and 1 pm. Given that the race is slated to start at 12:45 pm, this could pose some challenges. The thunderstorms along the leading edge of this rain area tomorrow morning could be severe, although the severe thunderstorm threat should pass quickly.
Following the initial line of storms, rain showers may linger into the afternoon. However, the data remains uncertain regarding when these showers will clear out. Some forecast guidance indicates rain ending by 2 pm, while others suggest it could persist until 4 pm.
Late afternoon into the early evening, dry conditions are forecast for Indianapolis. However, data suggests an increasing threat of rain and thunderstorms across the area after 7-8 pm and into the late evening. Once again, these thunderstorms could be severe, bringing damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes.
Over the next 12-16 hours, we expect some changes in the forecast data. However, the extent of these changes remains uncertain. Race officials have stated that they will not preemptively postpone the race due to rain but will make the decision closer to the race’s start time.
Whether you’re at the track watching the race or on your patio having a cookout, you can stay ahead of the weather this weekend by downloading the TDS Weather app! Our app allows you to check the hourly forecast, track storms on the radar, and receive alerts if impactful weather is headed your way! Download it for FREE from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store!
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tds-weather/id6484275951
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tds.wx
Thermodynamic Solutions (“TDS Weather”) provides professional weather consulting services to a variety of industries including: professional and minor league sports, snow removal and landscaping, golf courses and turf management, colleges and universities, and hospital networks. With nearly two decades of living and forecasting in the Ohio Valley region, our meteorologists provide custom, reliable forecasts that help clients SAVE and MAKE money in their daily operations. Our services include commercial and agricultural forecasting in the short and long ranges, lightning alerts and on-site hazardous weather monitoring, 24/7 on-call decision support services, forensic weather reporting, and more! For weather consulting inquiries, please contact us at info@tdsweather.com.
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