INDIANA, USA — June is typically the wettest month of the year for central Indiana with about 5 inches on average. This month may end up being near or slightly wetter than normal as the storm zone lifts north from the south to the Corn Belt and Great Lakes.
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Before we get to the latest weather outlook for June 2024, we need a baseline. What is the month of June typically like? Overall it's a good month with warmer weather, but heavy rains and intense storms are possible at times.
A typical Indiana June
Indianapolis typically gets its highest rainfall totals in June, roughly about 5 inches. That's mainly due to how much more water is in the atmosphere as we get to the start of summer. Rain clouds and storm clouds can be taller, bringing higher rainfall totals with each downpour.
It may not rain every day, but each downpour has the potential to be heavier.
Average highs start in the upper 70s at the first of June and then move into the low 80s for the rest of the month. Warm and humid is typically the forecast.
Severe weather season continues into June, in fact it peaks in early and mid-June. While we can get severe storms any month of the year, the main season to watch is March through June.
June has brought the most tornadoes to Indiana since 1950. However, many tornadoes have been touching down earlier in the season with early warm spells.
June is also known for its late sunsets across the northern hemisphere. In Indiana we will max out at 15 hours of daylight by the middle of the month with sunsets after 9:15 p.m. in the Eastern time zone. That means it won't necessarily get very dark until nearly 10:30 p.m.
What are we expecting this June?
During the summer, which June has the official start of summer with summer solstice, climate signals get tougher. We know it's going to be hot and humid. However we are working on the placement of the jet stream and where we can spark heavier rain chances and storm chances. We think it may stay fairly active for the Ohio River Valley.
There is a good chance June may end up being a bit wetter than normal, especially in southern Indiana.
At the very least, very dry, drought-like conditions are not expected this June.
What about temperatures? There is not a big signal. With an active jet stream over us, we may not get massive swings in temperatures. Generally we look to stay average for the month. There will be hot days and cooler days, but huge outbreaks of chilly air or intense heat will be few.
The west and the south may be hotter as they stay south of the jet stream with less rainfall potential.
Summary: Expect a warm and humid June like normal. A few days will be cooler but generally expect lots of upper 70s and 80s. Also expect some good rain chances at times with downpours. Storms are likely, too. We are at the peak of tornado season for Indiana.