Rejoice, Hoosiers — the first day of spring is tomorrow, March 19, and with that, the promise of warmer days, blossoming landscapes, and yes (takes deep sigh) pollen. Personally, we think the weather is an underrated conversation topic, so we peeked at some of the major weather trends headed our way over the next few months.
Here’s what you can expect this spring in Indy and beyond based on predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.
🌡️ Temperature
Think warm. Expect to see warmer-than-normal temperatures across the state through May. In Indy there is a 30-50% chance of temperatures being above average this season. Usually, Indianapolis averages highs of 51° in March, 63° in April, and 73° in May.
🌨️ Precipitation
Keep your umbrella handy. There’s a 33-40% chance that rain will trend above normal through May. Usually, Indy averages 4.3 inches of rain in April, 4.7 in May, and 4.9 in June.
According to the NOAA, Indy is predicted to have above normal temperatures.
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Graphic by the NOAA
March
So far this month in Indy, we’ve experienced a weather whiplash of warm and cooler temperatures, rain, and wind. March is known to mark a significant change in weather for Indianapolis as longer hours of sunlight arrive and outdoor activities become more appealing. Average temperatures in March are around 50° and we can expect ~12 rainfall days.
April
April usually brings full blooms to the Circle City and temperatures that average between a low of 45.1° and a high of 61.5°. This is a great time to visit and enjoy the blossoming attractions of the city — like the gardens at Newfields or Garfield Park. During April, the rain falls for ~14.3 days and regularly measures up to 2.24 inches of precipitation.
May
We all know the month of May is a favorite in Indy and you might be spending lots of time out in the sun at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. So, put on some SPF because temperatures hover around 71.8° + May through August are months with the highest UV index — bringing an average maximum UV index of 6. In Indianapolis, the average humidity is 79% and May is also typically the month with the most rainfall (~17.6 days).
Spring Festival at Wayne | Monday, March 18 | 2:45-6:45 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Wayne Branch, 198 S. Girls School Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Come for spring-themed activities like stories, crafts, games, and prizes — you’ll even get your own zinnia plant to take home.
Tuesday, March 19
Spring Equinox Sunrise Hike | Tuesday, March 19 | 7-8 a.m. | Overley-Worman Park, 6040 Godello Circle, Zionsville | Free | Celebrate the equinox with a sunrise hike through the park to enjoy the outdoors, watch for wildlife, and appreciate nature.
Networking Dinner & Working Session: Let’s Publish - Together | Tuesday, March 19 | 6-7:30 p.m. | VIP Center for Business Women, 3755 N. Washington Blvd., Indianapolis | $30 | Collaborate, network, and brainstorm the creation of the first-ever published collection of encouragement from women in our community.
Wednesday, March 20
Queen of the Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston | Wednesday, March 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $35-$49.50 | See this touring tribute show honoring the music, life, and legacy of the late Whitney Houston.
Thursday, March 21
Singles Night Mixer in Top Out Cafe | Thursday, March 21 | 7:30-9 p.m. | North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Meet other singles who also love health, fitness, and rock climbing.
The ideal date night destination? Old National Centre
Old National Centre has a jam-packed event schedule for every age and interest. | Photo by Live Nation Indy
The lineup of great shows at Old National Centre is a great excuse to find a babysitter and get out of the house with that special someone. Mark your calendars for:
Queen of The Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston | Wednesday, March 20
Herbie Hancock | Friday, March 22
Josh Turner | Saturday, March 23
Wayne Newton | Friday, April 19
Todd Rundgren | Tuesday, April 23
Find great seats on a date night out to these and other upcoming shows at Old National Centre below.
“Happy Hour” is coming to Indiana after 40 years. Gov. Holcomb signed House Bill 1086 into law, making happy hour drink specials legal. Going into effect July 1, bars + restaurants will be able to host happy hours for four hours a day and 15 hours a week, but never between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. (WTHR)
Traffic
We already told you about road work to convert one-ways into two-ways, but with weather warming up, you’ll be seeing even more crews at work. The city announced it’s investing $363 million in infrastructure this year. See the full list of projects. (WRTV)
Coming Soon
Burlington Stores Inc. plans to open a location in the lower level of Claypool Court previously occupied by the Rhythm! Discovery Center downtown. The 23,000-sqft store is expected to open this fall + hopes to benefit from traffic at the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets. (IBJ)
Announced
Local coffee roaster Blue Mind announced that starting today, it will extend its hours at its coffee shop located at 646 E. 38th St. to be open until 3 p.m. instead of 1 p.m. That expanded space is looking even betterfor coworking days.
Sports
Purdue University landed the No. 1 seed in Midwestern Region of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and will play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday. The Boilermakers (29-4) will play either Grambling State or Montana State, who will face each other Wednesday in the First Four play-in round in Dayton, Ohio.
Older Adults
An Indianapolis real estate developer is planning to build an affordable senior housing complex on the far east side. The $52 million project, Sunspring Apartments, would include 208 cottage-style units for people who are 55+. Construction is expected to begin in June. (Mirror Indy/WISH)
Open
The Capital Improvement Board announced that a new sensory room is now open at Lucas Oil Stadium. The room was designed to cater to those with sensory processing needs + foster an inclusive environment with calming elements, sensory tools, and equipment.
Outdoors
The Indiana Forest Alliance is offering a free two-day total solar eclipse experience at Yellowwood State Forest in Bloomington. A warm-up event at Yellowwood Lake will take place Sunday, April 7 with guided hikes to explain forest ecology + other educational topics. (IndyStar)
Sports
The Indiana Pacers have undergone some changes in the last few months. How has that changed the way they play? What is and isn’t working? Tap in with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
We’re hiring a Sales Director to lead our advertising relationships. This executive would oversee a team of sales team members, pitching the most relevant + modern media offering in town while earning a competitive salary with unlimited PTO. If you’d like to be considered or know someone we should, learn more + apply here.
The Buy
A new scent from Corridor Candle Co. Collection to treat yourself. It’s the first day of spring and what better way to celebrate the season than a new candle?
Answered
Last week, we asked you if you had any espresso martinis that weren’t on our list — and you didn’t hesitate to espresso your feelings:
The espresso martini at Gather 22 is made with Tinker Coffee.
I don’t know about you, but I feel more alive when the weather is warmer and the sun is out. I’m so excited to eat on some patios, take my pup to some dog parks, and check out the blooms at Newfields. If “dog parks” perked up your pup’s ears too, stay tuned for an upcoming newsletter.
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