Indy 500 weather updates: Will rain in forecast delay the 2024 race in Indianapolis?
Mother Nature may be throwing a wrench in the plans of F1 fanatics on Memorial Day weekend.Â
The Indy 500 is scheduled to take place Sunday from The Brickyard in Indianapolis. The race is one of the most iconic in motorsports history and is undoubtedly the most prestigious on the IndyCar circuit.Â
There are plenty of racers aiming to claim a win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Josef Newgarden won the competition last year, marking the first Indy 500 win in the career of the Team Penske driver. Newgarden is again regarded as a favorite for the event, as well as his Team Penske teammate Will Power and pole-sitter Scott McLaughlin,Â
Rain for the Indianapolis event is nothing new. In fact, since the creation of the race in 1911, 29% of the Indy 500 race days have had precipitation, according to Indianapolis meteorologist Ethan Rosuck.Â
How does the forecast look for Sunday? The Sporting News is keeping track of all the latest weather updates for the Indy 500.Â
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Indy 500 weather updates(All times Eastern)
Saturday May 25The main concern with the storms coming to Indianapolis is the severity of the conditions. Heavy winds are expected in the areas, as well as the possibility of flooding, hail and even tornadoes.
Multiple rounds of severe weather are possible on Sunday. Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat with large hail, tornadoes, and localized flooding also possible. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. #inwx pic.twitter.com/hCNX0siHhy
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) May 25, 2024The conditions are expected to be the worst in the morning/early afternoon, with the potential for dry weather to come later in the day on Sunday. However, that does not necessarily help the Indy 500 getting the race off in time.Â
Friday, May 24It feels like it is inevitable that there will be rain Sunday, so it’s going to be a matter of how much precipitation falls on race day.Â
The problem is the severity of the impending storms. The weather is expected to be extreme Sunday, with plenty of high winds and thunderstorms in the forecast.
There is an enhanced risk of severe weather on Sunday. Afternoon through evening hours appear to have the higher threat, but still low confidence on timing. All hazards including damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes are possible. Stay weather aware this weekend! #INwx pic.twitter.com/V4nxkTClV4
— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) May 24, 2024It appears as though it will be worse in the evening. That does not bode well for the Indy 500 if it needs to be delayed.Â
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Indy 500 weather forecastNational Weather Service
Chance of rain (Sunday):Â 90Â percentChance of rain (Sunday night):Â 90 percentSunday’s forecast as of May 25:Â “Scattered showers before 11am, then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 82. South southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.”
Author(s)
Bryan Murphy is an NHL content producer at The Sporting News.
