INDIANAPOLIS — A chilly, dry pattern is in store for this weekend as an area of high pressure sets up across the central U.S. ushering in northwesterly winds.
SATURDAY: Sunny but unseasonably cool with highs only in the low 50s. The average high for the Indianapolis metro jumps to 66 degrees today. A few clouds build in this evening but we stay dry as temperatures fall back through the 40s.
Do I need to cover my plants?
It's not a bad idea both tonight and Sunday night, especially in more rural and low-lying areas that are wind-sheltered. Bring in any potted plants or cover outdoor vegetation to prevent damage with lows in the 30s. Frost starts to develop as air temperatures drop below 37.
Are temperatures this chilly normal at this point in the season?
It's not out of the question. While the Indianapolis metro on average sees the last freeze (lows of 32 degrees or below) in mid-April, the average last frost could happen on average as late as mid-May. The average low temperature for today is 45 degrees.
SUNDAY: Slightly more mild but still unseasonably chilly with highs in the upper 50s under a mainly sunny sky.
MONDAY: We'll see a shift in wind direction from the southwest come Monday bringing in more mild air with highs rebounding to the low 60s. Staying clear with plenty of sunshine.
When is the next chance of rain?
Our next weather system arrives late Tuesday bringing scattered rain showers, especially late in the day through the pre-dawn hours Wednesday. This will be along a cold front which will serve as a reinforcing shot of cooler air. Look for highs near 60 Tuesday afternoon ahead the front with highs in the upper 50s as sunshine returns for Wednesday and Thursday.
We'll again see the threat of frost both Wednesday and Thursday mornings with lows ranging from 36-41 degrees.
Temperatures look to become more seasonal starting Friday and into next weekend but we're also looking at rain returning during that period as well. These two rain events including Tuesday and late week will bring an additional 0.75 to 1.75 inches of rainfall. The Indy metro has picked up 6.5 inches of rainfall so far this month, ranking it the 4th wettest start to April on record.
