Video (6:55):
Here is a look at rainfall received over the past 24 hours. As expected, the focus for heavy rains has shifted to southern Indiana, where anywhere from a half-inch to 2″ has fallen, heaviest along the Ohio River. More rounds of heavy rain will target these areas over the next 48 hours, central Indiana will get its fair share as well, unfortunately.
Scattered showers are moving across central Indiana as of 6:30AM, with steady rains moving out of southern Indiana. Most of central Indiana should see the scattered showers move out by mid-morning, with the Indianapolis area and north likely staying dry this afternoon. The risk for showers will continue near Bloomington to Columbus and points south.
Rain showers will expand back to the north mid-evening then as we progress beyond midnight. Expect rainy conditions for Saturday morning, and a wet day for everyone Saturday. We could catch a brief lull in the afternoon.
Need to watch Saturday evening/overnight as we could see thunderstorms, especially the southern half of the state. These will produce very heavy rain and gusty winds. Forecast radar from 6pm Saturday to 7am Sunday shown below:
There is a strong storm threat across the southern half of the state, greatest risk in the yellow area in southeast Indiana. The main threat here will be strong wind gusts with these storms that could reach or exceed severe criteria (58mph or greater). Even if winds don’t reach severe criteria, remember with the water-logged ground it is much easier to uproot trees.
Very heavy rains will target the southeast half of the state with a widespread 2-4″. Expect flooding to increase through the weekend, with streams and rivers continuing to rise through early next week.
Checking out temperatures, today should be several degrees warmer than Thursday as many areas get into the 50s. Saturday’s highs will be deceiving…because they occur after sunset. Most of the day will be spent in the 40s over Indianapolis and points north, before temperatures spike late afternoon through the early morning hours Sunday into the warm sector. Temperatures will drop by daybreak Sunday as the front passes. Sunday should still recover in the 40s and 50s with sunshine building in.
The forecast for early next week looks fantastic. Temperatures are going to remain WELL above normal into late next week! Sunny and mild Monday and Tuesday, then our next system arrives by Wednesday with next Thursday looking like a wet day with the risk of some storms. This will follow-up with a cool-down to end next week.
