WeatherFanatics: Sun to Shine on Indy 500; Thunderstorms May Disrupt Practice

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Sun to Shine on Indy 500; Thunderstorms May Disrupt Practice

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

May 20,2014; 8:50PM,EDT

The weather will cooperate for most outdoor activities, including race day, Sunday at this year's Indianapolis 500, but thunderstorms could affect practice on Wednesday.
Warmer and more humid air will move into central Indiana and the Midwest through Wednesday with highs in the 80s F.
The summerlike atmosphere will set the stage for thunderstorms to cross the region from late Tuesday night through Wednesday as a cool front approaches from the northwest.
There could be more than one storm, and there is the potential for severe weather in the area around the track Wednesday afternoon and evening.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Mike Doll, "Some of the storms that erupt through midweek can bring frequent lightning strikes, large hail and damaging wind gusts."

Fans heading to practice on Wednesday should be alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.

The starting field for 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race poses on the start/finish line with the Borg-Warner Trophy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2014. The race is Sunday, May 25. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Cooler air will sweep into the region Thursday with a high expected to be in the lower 70s.
From Thursday through Sunday, much of Indiana will be in a swath of dry air with showers well to the northeast and thunderstorms well to the southwest. As long as this dry wedge holds its ground, rain should stay away from Indianapolis and skies will remain bright and clear with low humidity.
RELATED:
Indianapolis Forecast
Indianapolis Interactive Radar
Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
Temperatures are forecast to trend upward Friday through Sunday. Highs will be in the middle 70s for the concerts and other activities these days.
For the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, sunshine is in the offing with temperatures reaching near 80 F during the afternoon.
Racing fans can catch the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway following the Indy 500 Sunday evening.

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