Mother Nature may be throwing a wrench in the plans of F1 fanatics on Memorial Day weekend.
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.
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,
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.
How does the forecast look for Sunday? The Sporting News is keeping track of all the latest weather updates for the Indy 500.
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Indy 500 weather updates
(All times Eastern)
Saturday May 25
The main concern with the storms coming to Indianapolis is the severity of the conditions. Heavy winds are expected in the areas, as well as showers and thunderstorms in the morning.
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, 2024
The conditions are expected to worsen as the day goes on but the worst weather isn’t supposed to hit until closer to midnight on Sunday, when the race should be long over.
“Showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1am and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am,” per the National Weather Service.
Friday, May 24
It 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.
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, 2024
It 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.
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Indy 500 weather forecast
National Weather Service
- Chance of rain (Sunday): 80 percent
- Chance of rain (Sunday night): 90 percent
Sunday’s forecast as of May 25 (7:30 p.m. ET): “Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4pm. High near 80. South southeast wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.”
