May 24 is shaping up to be a warm, humid day with only a slight chance of showers, at least for now.
The National Weather Service has not yet set weather forecasts for Race Day. But AccuWeather’s 10-day forecast predicts a high of 78 degrees, with a 30% chance of rain on May 24.
That obviously could still change, with a week still before the Big Day. IndyStar will keep race fans up to date with the latest weather forecasts. IndyStar’s historic weather analysis also shows that it’s rained only once on May 24 since 2006 and the average temperature for the past 20 years has been in the upper 60s.
What else should we expect on Race Day?
May 24 is expected to be mostly cloudy, but the service also predicts a very high maximum UV index of 8. Winds are likely to be moving northeast at 4 MPH with gusts peaking around 12 MPH. There’s also a very, very small chance of thunderstorms.
AccuWeather is predicting a very humid morning, at 84%, with the day becoming a bit more pleasant in the afternoon.
Lows are expected to be in the low 60s.
What is the forecast for the rest of the weekend?
Carb Day on May 22 is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 72 degrees and a lower chance of rain at 25%.
The day will likely be pretty humid, with levels hovering between 75% and 85% for most of the day. Lows are expected to be in the mid-50s.
Forecast for Legends Day on May 23 looks slightly warmer, with a high of 75 degrees and a 30% chance of rain. The day, though, is expected to be more pleasant than Carb Day, with humidity levels hovering between 47% and 60% during the day. Lows will likely be in the high 50s.
What is the forecast for Memorial Day?
The race has been postponed only once in the last two decades, but on the small chance that happens, here’s the forecast for Memorial Day, May 25:
Memorial Day has a higher chance of rain, at 35%, and a 12% probability of thunderstorms. The day’s high is at 76 degrees. It’s also expected to be a humid day, with levels reaching 87% in the morning and 70% in the afternoon.
Lows will likely be in the 60s, with more showers expected in the evening.
IndyStar reporter Karl Schneider contributed. Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Sunscreen or rain jacket? The latest Indy 500 weather forecast
Reporting by Kristine Phillips, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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