Marcus’ 4 a.m. Monday forecast INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A climb in temperatures with several light rain opportunities headlines the forecast for the holiday week. Today: The mild weather is being influenced by a broad ridging pattern across much of the United States. As the day progresses , southerly winds will intensify, bringing in moisture and resulting in thicker clouds by evening. Tonight: Precipitation is expected to begin tonight, with patchy drizzle or light rain likely to persist into Tuesday. Some patchy areas of fog will also be possible. Overnight temperatures will hold steady through Tuesday morning. Warming this week: Looking ahead to the middle of the week, temperatures are expected to rise further as a subtropical ridge builds northward. This will maintain unseasonably mild conditions from Wednesday through Friday, although the area may remain under low clouds with light rain chances lingering, particularly on Wednesday night. Christmas forecast: On Christmas Day, there is growing confidence in near-record warmth, with highs likely reaching into the low 60s. Some areas may even see temperatures well into the 60s if the clouds thin out, which is a significant departure from the average high of around 38 degrees this time of year. Extended forecast: After Christmas, temperatures are projected to trend back toward more seasonal levels gradually, with a stronger cold front anticipated to arrive late next weekend. Some signs of a very sharp cool down early next week, but it will likely be brief. The 8-14 day temperature outlook shows strong signs of mild temperatures continuing. ...read more read less