BEDFORD & BLOOMINGTON — Regional residents can expect a mid-summer stretch of lingering heat waves and pop-up thunderstorms before a noticeably cooler August arrives across Southern Indiana and the greater Ohio Valley.
According to long-range outlook data from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, July 2026 is trending slightly warmer and drier than historical averages, while August is shaping up to offer lower temperatures and pleasant relief.
July 2026: Heat Waves and Intermittent Storms
July is projected to finish with an average temperature of 77°F (1 degree above average) and 3 inches of precipitation (1 inch below average).
The hottest stretches of the summer are anticipated during the first and final weeks of the month, punctuated by mid-month thunderstorm activity:
- July 9–14: Scattered thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential in western areas; remaining warm.
- July 15–22: Initial sunshine turning to afternoon thunderstorms as temperatures climb into a hot stretch.
- July 23–28: Clear, sunny skies with warm conditions.
- July 29–31: Sunny in the east with localized thunderstorms to the west; returning to hot summer temperatures.
August 2026: Cooler Temps and Dry Conditions
Heading into late summer, August is expected to bring a comfortable drop in temperatures. The monthly average temperature is forecast at 72.5°F—about 1.5 degrees cooler than usual—along with continuing dry conditions totaling 2.5 inches of rain (1 inch below average).
- Aug 1–9: Mostly sunny conditions giving way to pop-up thunderstorms; warm.
- Aug 10–19: Extended stretch of sunny, mild weather.
- Aug 20–28: Scattered afternoon thunderstorms with warm temperatures.
- Aug 29–31: Mild, sunny weather closes out the month.
Broader Seasonal Trends
The summer forecast aligns with broader regional patterns for the Ohio Valley, which saw a warmer-than-normal start to the season with lower-than-average overall rainfall. Looking further ahead into early autumn, forecasters anticipate September and October will continue the trend, bringing cooler and drier conditions to the region.
