The forecast is rather simple this morning, because we see our next 16 days divided into two distinct patterns, and we shift back and forth between them.
Rain is here today. This is part of that strong storm circulation lifting up through the plains and upper Midwest. The circulation is huge…but the strength of the system also means there is a lot of dry air wrapping into the low. The result will be some showers and thunderstorms here through the day, but there will be some on and off characteristics to the event. Overall, we think the best thunderstorm threats will be well south. We are projecting .25”-.75” rain totals over 80% of the state, with the higher totals more likely in central and southern Indiana, but not limited to there. It will be mild and very windy. The strongest winds are in later this afternoon and tonight, as the colder air starts to return. The map above shows rain potential through sunset tonight.
Tomorrow we see a mix of cloud and sun over central and southern Indiana. However, the west to northwest flow will actually trigger some lake effect clouds as the colder air takes hold of the state. We won’t rule out spits and sprinkles in the northern and northeastern parts of the state tomorrow, and perhaps even a lake effect snow flake or two tomorrow night, but that is not really a big concern at this time. Just look for more clouds and a bit more of a damp feel up north tomorrow, while the rest of the state looks decent.
A long, dry stretch settles in for this Saturday through next Saturday. We will be partly to mostly sunny with near to slightly above normal temps. A gorgeous run of weather across Indiana for late march.
We get into the extended period and swing the pattern back wet. Rain develops next Saturday night and we see showers off and on through Monday. This will bring half to 1” of rain with 80% coverage. Then a second batch of moisture arrives Tuesday night and goes through Wednesday, adding another .25”-.5” and 100% coverage. Then, we finish the extended pattern going back dry for Thursday and Friday, the last days of the month.
