INDIANAPOLIS — A Red Flag Warning is in effect today with a combination of 35-45 mph wind gusts, low humidity and very dry conditions leading to the risk of rapidly-spreading fires.
What should you do/not do during a Red Flag Warning?
- Postpone outdoor burning under these conditions
- Use extreme caution when disposing of smoking materials
- Be prepared for isolated power outages during very strong wind gusts
- Make sure outdoor items such as Halloween decorations are secured
- Highest gusts of up to 45 mph will likely be across the northern tier of the state
How dry have we been?
So far this month, we've only received 0.09" of rainfall, ranking this as the second-driest October to date. The fall season to date, since Sept 1, has the Indianapolis metro as the fourth-driest on record.
How rare is this warm air we'll see today and tomorrow?
Since 1871, there have only been seven days in Indianapolis in recorded history with a high temperature of 80 degrees or above on or after Oct. 29.
- Forecast highs of 81 degrees
- Today's standing record high: 81 degrees from 1922
- Tomorrow's standing record high: 82 degrees from 1950
What's the latest timeline on the rain and wind Thursday?
A cold front arrives on Halloween morning (~ 7 a.m.), and rain showers will be likely along this front through Thursday afternoon. The strongest winds will be along the passing front with 30-40 mph gusts possible.
Temperatures will be in the upper 60s in the morning ahead of the front and drop into the upper 50s behind the front Thursday evening for trick-or-treating. The heaviest of the rain will be out of the area by sunset, but a few stray showers could linger Thursday evening.
Will this rain help alleviate drought conditions?
Not completely, but it will help. Most of the area will likely see up to 0.25", with parts of Indiana seeing an upwards of 1".
Extended outlook:
Much cooler air arrives by Friday morning with lows back in the low to mid 40s, but skies will clear, allowing for plenty of sunshine.
Temperatures recover for the weekend with highs back into the low 60s Saturday and near 70 degrees on Sunday. Remember, daylight saving time comes to an end at 2 a.m. Sunday, and time will "fall back" one hour. There is a chance of showers later in the day on Sunday.
