INDIANAPOLIS — Anyway you slice it, today is a miserably muggy day in central Indiana. 70+ degree dewpoints are notable anytime of year — let alone here in mid-May. This is only the ninth day in the past 30 years with a Muggy Meter this high this early in the season.
The combination of tropical dewpoints and temperatures in the 80s makes it feel like the 90s. Afternoon high temperatures in Indianapolis will reach near daily record high levels of 89 degrees. A remarkable warm "low" of 72 degrees this morning is the actual average high for May 11. If that temperature holds, it would set a daily record highest minimum temperature.
Satellite analysis shows increasing low-level cumulus across central Indiana, which is likely forming along a not-so-subtle moisture axis. While 70+ degree dewpoint air is widespread in Indiana, much more refreshing air is just over the Ohio border. That axis could be enough to trigger spotty, but possibly heavy, showers and/or thunderstorms, but many areas won't see a drop today.
Plan on uncomfortably warm air lingering into the evening before an emerging easterly wind pushes the drier air in Ohio into central Indiana tonight into Thursday. You'll notice a massive difference in the Muggy Meter tomorrow with a breath of fresh air out the door in the morning.
While the air Thursday will be much drier, abundant sunshine will keep temperatures equally as warm in the mid to upper 80s Thursday afternoon. It's just going to feel so much better because of the dewpoints in the 40s compared to the swampy 70s today.
Friday looks equally as pleasant with comfortable lows near 60 degrees and warm high in the 80s under a mainly sunny sky. This is just what the doctor ordered for GMR Indy Grandy Prix qualifying at IMS.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there will be many rain-free hours on Live Doppler 13 Radar. However, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop both days in the late afternoon/evening hours and will require monitoring of the radar if you have outdoor plans.
