INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Storm chances return Friday & Saturday. Wildfire smoke continues to be an issue across Northern Indiana and it may be more of a concern farther south by Sunday.

THURSDAY EVENING/NIGHT:

Spotty storms SW of Indy will fade away during the evening. Variably cloudy, muggy, and mild are expected overnight with lows in the 70s.  Areas of smoke will linger across Northern Indiana and it may be unhealthy at times.

FRIDAY:

Muggy but not quite as hot with highs in the upper 80s.  Scattered rain & storms are likely during the day, but it’s worth noting that some of us may get a good soaking while others miss out completely.   A stray strong storm can’t be ruled out but widespread severe weather is not expected.

There is an AIR QUALITY ALERT in effect for parts of Central & Northern Indiana due to low-level smoke concerns that may lead to unhealthy conditions, especially if you are susceptible to that kind of pollution. Forecast model data suggest the low-level smoke may drift more to the northeast during the day and ease the problem for Indiana. The worst smoke issues may be during the first half of the day.

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Clouds & stars. Staying muggy. Lows in the lower 70s.  

SATURDAY:

Highs will be in the upper 80s to around 90 with a chance of showers & storms, especially during the afternoon and evening.  A few strong storms with damaging wind gusts can’t be ruled out later in the day or during the evening with a passing front. 

There is currently a LEVEL 1 & 2 severe risk for Saturday due to the gusty storm threat.  Lows in the 60s to around 70 Saturday night.  

SUNDAY:

Partly cloudy and “cooler” with highs in the mid 80s.  We will have to watch for increased levels of Canadian wildfire smoke if winds turn more northerly.  This is not certain, but it definitely bears watching considering the hazardous levels of smoke in recent days to our north.  Cooler 60s for Lows Sunday night.  

NEXT WEEK:

We’ll have another chance of rain & storms late Monday into Tuesday.  Behind that system a few cooler and drier days are possible. Next Wednesday & Thursday could be really nice if the planets align properly.