INDIANA – Central and Southern Indiana are bracing for a multi-day stretch of dangerous heat and unhealthy air conditions, with heat indexes expected to soar.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis reports that heat indexes are expected to reach near 100 degrees today (Wednesday, July 23) across parts of central Indiana. The situation is likely to intensify on Thursday, July 24, with “feels like” temperatures projected to reach 105 degrees in areas including Bedford, Bloomington, and Seymour.
In addition to the extreme heat, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has declared an Air Quality Action Day for today, July 23. The combination of above-average temperatures, abundant sunshine, light winds, lingering wildfire smoke, and a high-pressure system settling over the region is creating conditions conducive to the development of ground-level ozone.
This has resulted in an “orange” or unhealthy level warning from IDEM. Ground-level ozone is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties. Sensitive populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with heart conditions or respiratory diseases like asthma, are strongly advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure today. The Air Quality Action Day warning remains in effect until midnight tonight.
Forecasters indicate that hotter and more tropical weather is expected to arrive on Thursday, as dew points are expected to reach the mid-70s. This relentless humidity can lead to rapid overheating, particularly for those who are not adequately hydrated or engaging in strenuous outdoor activities.
A Heat Advisory will be in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, with feels-like temperatures anticipated to range between 100° and 105°.
While storm chances are low for late Thursday afternoon, the likelihood of thunderstorms increases on Friday and throughout the weekend. Although Saturday and Sunday will remain muggy and tropical, increased cloud cover is expected to temper the extreme heat somewhat. Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions to stay safe and hydrated during this period.
