Indianapolis 500 Weather

[Chicago WX]

I thought I had already posted this before, but a search reveals nothing. Anyway, this Sunday is the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. Below are the temperature and precipitation statistics for race day since the beginning in 1911. Note there are a few years that had a couple of days due to weather delays.

 

Highest max temp: 92º on May 31, 1937

Lowest max temp: 58º on May 24, 1992

 

Highest min temp: 73º on May 30, 1929

Lowest min temp: 37º on May 30, 1947

 

Highest precipitation: 3.80" on May 30, 2004

 

The point and click forecast for this Sunday is currently calling for a high of 67º with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2:00pm.   

 

All data is from the official site for Indianapolis at the time (taken from NCDC). Race days were taken from the Indianapolis 500 website.

 

Also, there are two instances of tornadoes hitting Marion County on race day (since 1950):

 

1) May 31, 1954: F1

2) May 30, 2004: F2

 

IND write up on the May 2004 outbreak: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/?n=2004tor_tracks

 

 

 

 

[SchaumburgStormer]

After the last few years, this would be a welcome relief. I am usually in the infield, turn 4 near the front stretch. After last year when I used more of the ice in my cooler to cool myself rather than cool my beer, I am certainly looking forward to this.

[Hoosier]

That 2004 situation really had the potential to be bad given how favorable things were for tornadoes.

My sister goes every year...I'm sure she will appreciate the cool conditions this time.

[KokomoWX]

I declined to this year for the local newspaper.  I let someone else use the media credential.  My love for the race has long since faded.  The recent blazing hot years also have not helped. This year the weather would have been great.

[Chicago WX]

68º at IND yesterday, which places yesterday in a tie for the 15th coolest race day. 

 

Temperatures started in the upper 50's at the start of the race yesterday, and ended in the mid 60's.