Indianapolis could have dangerous heat index at 102 this week. See the forecast (2024)

Thunderstorms — some possibly severe with damaging winds — will sweep across Central Indiana early this week followed by the potential for dangerous heat, according to local meteorologists with theNational Weather Service, who advise Hoosiers to pay careful attention to the weather.

By Thursday, forecasters say rainy conditions will give way to peak afternoon heat indices that could reach 102 in Indianapolis and 106 in Bloomington. Meanwhile, Terre Haute and Vincennes could see temperatures with heat indices around 105, NWS said.

Here's what we know.

NWS issues special weather statement for July 30 - Aug 1, 2024

NWS issued a special weather statement Tuesday urging Hoosiers to plan ahead by limiting outdoor activities.

"Peak afternoon heat index values will approach or exceed 100 degrees across portions of central Indiana today through Thursday, though uncertainty exists due to potential for storms," Meteorologists with NWS said Tuesday on social media.

Heat indices could climb to 105-degree range, per NWS

"We're expecting a few more rounds of thunderstorms over the course of the week and then things really start to heat up when we get to Wednesday and Thursday," said Andrew White, a meteorologist with the NWS in Central Indiana.

White told IndyStar multiple rounds of thunderstorms near Vincennes will likely push northwest, then heat indices could get into the 105-degree range toward the end of the week. He advised Hoosiers to stay in contact with friends and family who might be particularly vulnerable to hotter weather.

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following signs:

Dizziness orfainting
Excessive sweating
Cool, pale and clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, weak pulse
Muscle cramps

Experts say if you or someone else is experiencing heat exhaustion to drink cool water, seekair-conditioning, takea cool shower or usea cold compress to alleviate symptoms.

Indianapolis could have dangerous heat index at 102 this week. See the forecast (1)

Staying cool:Your window fan is facing the wrong direction. Or not. Here's how to tell and save money.

Live weather radar for Central Indiana

Indianapolis could have dangerous heat index at 102 this week. See the forecast (2)

Weather forecast for Central Indiana, per NWS

☁️ Tuesday: Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 3 to 7 mph.

🌜 Tuesday night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

⛈️ Wednesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

☁️ Wednesday night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South southwest wind around 6 mph.

⛈️ Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

⛈️ Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. West southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

🌤️ Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

⛈️ Friday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

🌤️ Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. North wind 6 to 8 mph.

🌜 Saturday night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North wind 3 to 7 mph.

☀️ Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

🌜 Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

How to stay safe during hot weather

Older Hoosiers and young children, experts warn, are the most at risk during periods of extreme heat. Here's what they recommend doing to stay safe:

The American Red Cross

Stay hydrated and avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Electric fans may not provide relief, instead take a cooling shower or bath and find an air-conditioned space.

The National Weather Service

Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods like fruits or salad.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.
Head to a public library or other space with air conditioning.

USS Indianapolis:A disaster turns 79. Sinking of Navy ship leads to world's worst shark attack

John Tuftscovers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip atJTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter atJTuftsReports.

Indianapolis could have dangerous heat index at 102 this week. See the forecast (2024)

FAQs

What is the cause of the heat index? ›

There is direct relationship between the air temperature and relative humidity and the heat index, meaning as the air temperature and relative humidity increase (decrease), the heat index increases (decreases).

Explore More ›

Is heat exhaustion more prevalent when the heat index surpasses 90 degrees? ›

Once the heat index exceeds 90 degrees, heat-related illnesses such as cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke become possible from extended exposure to extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the very young, the elderly, people who are pregnant, individuals with certain medical conditions, and ...

View Details ›

When excessive heat warning heat index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least? ›

Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning cri- teria for at least two days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit). Heat Advisory—Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for one to two days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

Learn More Now ›

How hot is too hot for humans? ›

The human body can't tolerate its temperature reaching 43 degrees C (about 109.4 degrees F). “Anyone who reaches that core temperature — 99.9% would die,” Vanos said. This is the upper limit of survival. Heat often kills in more subtle ways — by worsening pre-existing issues, like cardiovascular or renal disease.

What is the highest temperature a human body can withstand? ›

44 °C (111.2 °F) or more – Almost certainly death will occur; however, people have been known to survive up to 46.5 °C (115.7 °F). 43 °C (109.4 °F) – Normally death, or there may be serious brain damage, convulsions, and shock. Cardio-respiratory collapse will likely occur. 42 °C (107.6 °F) – Subject may turn red.

Keep Reading ›

What is the highest heat index ever recorded? ›

To be fair, temperatures of 134 and 136 have been recorded, though issues with the instruments used have cast some doubt on those readings, making an official measurement of 130 degrees the widely accepted record.

Read The Full Story ›

How warm is too warm for a person? ›

Researchers investigated when the body starts exerting more energy to keep itself cool at high temperatures. They found that this upper-temperature limit lies between 40℃ (104F) and 50℃ (122F) when the human body stops functioning optimally.

Does heat index affect air conditioning? ›

Your thermostat may say 75°, but you could still feel overheated if you have moist air inside. With air conditioning and humidity, how hot you feel, known as the heat index, is what matters when it comes to comfort. The better question is: Does the heat index affect air conditioning? Yes, it does.

Get More Info ›

What temperature is too hot to walk outside? ›

Generally, when the heat index is over 90°F, you should use extreme caution when heading outdoors for activity or intense exercise. Keep in mind that different people might have a different threshold, so it's important to pay attention to your body.

Read The Full Story ›

Is it safe to walk in 100 degree weather? ›

Even if you're a seasoned athlete, you should not exercise in temperatures that feel higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Reddish recommends limiting outdoor time to about 30 minutes, whether that includes a run, hike or circuit training. Then, finish off the workout indoors.

Know More ›

How does the human body normally cool itself? ›

Evaporation and conduction of the air are accelerated by convection. When the temperature of the environment becomes greater than that of the skin, the body gains heat by both conduction and radiation. So, the evaporation is the only way by which the body can rid itself of heat under these conditions.

Find Out More ›

What is an unsafe heat index? ›

When the heat index reaches 105° F, or higher, conditions can become dangerous for both people and pets. Another tool for indication of potential heat stress is called Wet Bulb Glob Temperature. It factors several parameters, including temperature, humidity, cloud cover and wind.