As our attention shifts to the medium range, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that this weekend will be dominated by an upper level ridge “ballooning” over the Ohio Valley. Both the GFS and European forecast models (and their ensembles) show this.
The end result shouldn’t only be an increasingly hot pattern taking hold Friday through Monday, but one that features mainly dry conditions, as well. With the upper ridge expanding over the immediate region, the majority of central Indiana neighborhoods should expect to remain mostly dry this weekend (only “isolated” coverage of storms expected at best).
Highs Friday through Monday should flirt with 90°- if not exceed the 90° mark at times (hottest days appear to arrive Saturday and Sunday).
Rain and storm coverage should increase early next week as a cold front approaches the region. With the increasing moisture, temperatures should also cool- at least slightly, as well…
Moisture continues to stream across central and southern Indiana this morning, and some of this rain is falling at a moderate to heavy rate.
Widespread rain will eventually come to an end later this afternoon before scattered showers and thunderstorms redevelop this evening into tonight. Potential is also present for the possibility of another thunderstorm complex impacting parts of the region late tonight into early Tuesday- especially across the southwest part of the state. Scattered thunderstorm chances will remain Tuesday (more of the splash and dash variety as opposed to a widespread soaker).
Eventually, drier air will work into the state for midweek and rainfall coverage will diminish Wednesday and most of Thursday.
An early look at next weekend shows general agreement with the GFS and European forecast models: drier air returning along with slightly cooler air. We’ll keep you updated!