By Doug Schneider
If you've read my previous forecast discussions, you'll know that I didn't feel very confident in the specifics of what the weather would bring at Indy this weekend. Today, I'm feeling much more confident about the forecast, and some details of timing are coming into better focus.
A trough in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere is approaching Indiana from the west today, while moisture continues to increase from the south in the low levels. This combination will bring showers and thunderstorms across the state tonight and into Saturday morning. The best chance for weather impacts at the Speedway will be in the morning hours. I'd put the chance of rain after 8 am at the Speedway at 30% .The chance of showers will be decreasing in the afternoon as the trough exits and drier air aloft moves in from the northwest.
Sunday is looking better for a dry race. A ridge of high pressure in the mid and upper levels will be building in from the west, while a southwest flow at the surface will keep warm and humid conditions. With the building ridge, it will be hard for afternoon showers and thunderstorms to develop. It may still happen, but I expect that the potential for that to happen will come after the race. So while an isolated shower or storm may be possible in the late afternoon, I do not have a chance of rain mentioned or any impacts for the race. It will be rather hot, with a high temperature approaching 90, and with the humidity level being relatively high, it will feel like the mid 90s at the track. So be sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen if you're going to the race.
A trough in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere is approaching Indiana from the west today, while moisture continues to increase from the south in the low levels. This combination will bring showers and thunderstorms across the state tonight and into Saturday morning. The best chance for weather impacts at the Speedway will be in the morning hours. I'd put the chance of rain after 8 am at the Speedway at 30% .The chance of showers will be decreasing in the afternoon as the trough exits and drier air aloft moves in from the northwest.
Sunday is looking better for a dry race. A ridge of high pressure in the mid and upper levels will be building in from the west, while a southwest flow at the surface will keep warm and humid conditions. With the building ridge, it will be hard for afternoon showers and thunderstorms to develop. It may still happen, but I expect that the potential for that to happen will come after the race. So while an isolated shower or storm may be possible in the late afternoon, I do not have a chance of rain mentioned or any impacts for the race. It will be rather hot, with a high temperature approaching 90, and with the humidity level being relatively high, it will feel like the mid 90s at the track. So be sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen if you're going to the race.
