A streak of 105-110°+ peak heat indices are in the forecast right now for next week.
INDIANAPOLIS —
Sunday soakers for some in central Indiana — but a jungle-like heat wave looms
After what’s been a relatively dry stretch for many, Sunday evening delivered a much-needed drink of water for central Indiana — at least for some. Storms fired along a boundary slicing through the region, leading to a classic case of summer “haves” and “have-nots.” Rain totals were uneven, with some neighborhoods struggling to measure even a tenth of an inch, while others picked up more than 4 inches of rain in a matter of hours.
For those left high and dry – or those who still have dust blowing off the driveway – don’t get your hopes up today. Spotty downpours are still possible this Monday, but the best chance of activity stays confined to southern Indiana, closer to the same boundary that sparked Sunday’s soaking.
In the wake of those storms, today may actually be one of the more comfortable days we’ll see for a while. Afternoon highs will top out in the mid to upper 80s, paired with dew points in the 60s to low 70s, making for a relatively tame heat-and-humidity combo by July standards.
But don’t get used to it.
Welcome to “corn sweat” season
Each day this week, the “Muggy Meter” creeps upward, and by this weekend into early next week, dew points will likely soar into the mid to upper 70s — the most humid air central Indiana typically sees.
Thanks to the peak of “corn sweat” season, where mature cornfields release moisture into the atmosphere, some 80°+ dew points aren’t off the table across the Corn Belt, including parts of Indiana.
Midweek storm chances
Scattered to numerous downpours return Tuesday and Wednesday as an upper-level disturbance sweeps across the state. The atmosphere will be ripe for locally heavy rainfall and isolated storms.
This pattern continues through the week with daily storm chances, particularly important to note as WNBA All-Star Weekend approaches in Indianapolis.
As of now, Friday appears to carry a higher rain chance than Saturday, but fine-tuning those details will be critical in the days ahead.
Eyeing a heat wave next week
Long-range weather models are zeroing in on what could be a significant and prolonged heat wave across the Ohio Valley starting next week. While the first hints of this could be felt by Monday, July 21, it’s more likely the core of the heat settles in between July 22–24, with heat index values possibly climbing to 105–110°+ for multiple days in a row.
There’s still some uncertainty on exactly where central Indiana will sit in this pattern — fully inside the heat dome (which would mean oppressive heat and fewer storms), or on the fringe (where we’d remain vulnerable to strong storm clusters riding the northern edge of the heat ridge in what’s called the “ring of fire”).
Prepare now
Regardless of the details, one thing is becoming more certain: Heat Alerts – whether they be Advisories, Watches or Warnings – are likely next week. Be prepared to adjust outdoor plans, especially for those with vulnerable health conditions or those working outside.
Stick with the WTHR Weather Team this week as we track the evolving heat wave, storm chances and how this could impact summer events, power demands and personal safety.
