Marcus’ 4 a.m. Wednesday forecast INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Heavy rain threat continues for the remainder of the week as temperatures surge to near-record levels. A flood watch remains in effect for the southern 2/3 of central Indiana until 10 o’clock Wednesday morning. Numerous floo d advisories had to be issued as well for counties south of Indianapolis thanks to over 3 inches of rainfall that fell over parts of the southern metro area, leading to some localized flooding. Today: A stalled frontal system over the state is bringing in Gulf moisture, allowing for waves of widespread rain with locally higher amounts and embedded thunderstorms across the area. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall could fall throughout the day today. Rain chances will briefly decrease by late this morning into the early afternoon hours. High temperatures should make it to the mid and upper 50s, possibly low 60s south of Indianapolis. Strong storms tonight? Another round of showers and thunderstorms will develop late in the evening and overnight hours as the front moves north again. A few storms could be strong to severe, with large hail as the primary concern. The southern third of the state is under a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms. Wet Thursday: Thursday will also be a very wet day with widespread showers and a few thunderstorms possible. High temperatures will surge into the mid 60s. Near record heat Friday: Rain chances will exist for Friday, but should become a bit more isolated. The bigger story will be the near-record levels of temperatures, with highs surging into the mid 70s, which is running 20 to 30° above average. The record high for this Friday is 75° (back in 1973), which is very much in jeopardy. 7 day forecast: An additional 3 to 5 inches of rain could still be possible through the end of the week into early next week, as seen here in the seven-day rainfall estimates. This will only continue our flooding concerns along many rivers and streams, and in areas that are prone to flooding—we’ll have to keep a careful eye out over the next several days. The extended forecast remains mild, and we do briefly dry out by the end of the weekend and the start of next week, with highs still remaining above average. Rain chances look to return by the middle of next week as the pattern shifts to cooler temperatures late next week. ...read more read less