Marcus’ 4 a.m. Friday forecast Near record temperatures are expected today, but big changes move in this weekend with rain chances and sharply colder temperatures. Warmest Day of the Week Today will feel more like June than mid-April. Another surge of warm air riding southerly winds will push highs into the low to mid-80s, putting most areas within a few degrees of record highs. We’re forecasting a high of 83° in Indianapolis. Today’s record high is 87°, set back in 1896. While much of the day should stay dry, a few isolated or pop-up showers and storms will be possible late this afternoon and evening. Storms Move In Tonight The pattern turns active late this evening into the overnight hours as a sharp cold front approaches from the west. Showers and storms will develop and move into central Indiana. There is a risk for severe weather, mainly focused across the western and northwestern counties of the state. Damaging wind gusts, locally heavy rainfall, and even an isolated tornado will all be possible — especially in the Level 2 out of 5 risk area for severe storms, which is northwest of the city. As we progress through the overnight hours, the storms will weaken as they move south and east. Rain is expected to begin filling in sometime after 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning here in the metro area. Showers Linger Saturday Rain chances will persist Saturday as the cold front moves slowly through the state. Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected, especially during the first half of the day. As the cold front passes through around lunchtime, rain chances should become more isolated or scattered, allowing for at least some dry time during the afternoon hours. Meanwhile, temperatures will fall steadily through the day as the cold front passes. We’ll hit our highs early in the morning, with temperatures dropping back into the 50s by the afternoon. Much Cooler Air Returns Behind the front, there will be a dramatic shift in temperatures for Sunday. A secondary front passing through will reinforce the cool air. It could also bring some spotty light showers to parts of the state Sunday afternoon. High temperatures will only reach the mid to upper 50s on Sunday. Frost Risk Early Next Week Our concern then shifts to very chilly air as we head into the work week. Sunday night, mainly clear skies, light winds, and the cooler air mass will likely drop temperatures into the mid-30s, with some areas dipping close to freezing. This should allow for patchy — if not widespread — frost to develop across central and northern Indiana. Seven-Day Forecast As is usually the case this time of year, any sharp cooldown will be brief. High temperatures will start slightly below average despite the cold Monday, hovering around 60° in the afternoon. Numbers should surge back to the mid-70s by the middle of the week and likely closer to 80° by the end of the week. The next rain opportunity will arrive Wednesday with a chance of showers and storms. ...read more read less