Storms & Heat

Thursday, August 21, 7AM UPDATE: A stationary front will trigger scattered thunderstorms today, mainly across central and northern sections of the state.  Some areas could pick up 1-2" of rainfall today with those heavier storms that move through.  Watch out for flash flooding, and never drive over a flooded roadway.  Short range models indicate storms will be most widespread this morning, then we may see a break in the action for a time this afternoon.  However, that will likely allow for more storms to develop towards this evening.   



High temperatures will range from the lower 90s over southwest Indiana where more sun and dry weather is expected, to low 80s in north east Indiana where clouds and storms will keep temps in check.  

A similar pattern for Friday.  Scattered storm chances, especially for the northeast half of the state.  All this storm activity is occurring on the edge of a big high pressure system to our southwest where the heat is really cranking.  This high pressure system should be enough to keep storm chances much lower over the western/southern portions of the state.  

The northeast half of the state should see decent rainfall totals over the next couple of days.  This is a good thing, as many of these areas have been getting pretty dry.  The bad thing, though, some of this rain will come too quickly and will likely cause flash flooding issues.  On the map below, notice the absence of rain over southwest Indiana, and over the Mississippi River Valley and Southern Plains.  That is thanks to that big high pressure system.  The map below indicates rain potential through 8 am Saturday...

As we head through the weekend that ridge is going to try and gain a bit more control over the area.  However, I still think scattered storms are going to occur over the northeast half of the state, especially on Saturday.  Another big story will be the HEAT and HUMIDITY.  Highs this weekend will range from the upper 80s over northeast sections of the state to middle 90s over southwest Indiana.  The heat index, or 'feels-like temperature' when factoring in the oppressive humidity, will be 100-105 degree range both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  If you are going to be outside this weekend, remember to take it easy out there and stay hydrated.  

Also, I want to point out that the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for southwest Indiana, which is in effect from now through 7 pm CDT Saturday.  These counties include Gibson, Pike, Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Spencer.  These areas can expect highs in the middle 90s over the next several days, with heat indices as high as 105 each afternoon.

Make it a great day and take care.