The Indianapolis 500 is finally here and the weather is taking its toll at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
live:The 2024 Indy 500 is off to a bumpy start. keep up with the game
Here's the latest on how the storm is affecting the Indy 500:
3:15 p.m.: Dry weather expected to continue into Sunday night, NWS says
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, the weather will likely remain good for the remainder of Sunday afternoon, allowing the game to begin.
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Dry conditions are expected late Sunday afternoon into the evening, National Weather Service meteorologist Jason Puma said.
Puma said there was a 60 percent chance of more thunderstorms on Sunday, but not until 8 p.m. or later.
Racing against the weather:What's the prediction for the rest of the Indy 500 race day?
2:06 p.m.: Fans can return to stands after inclement weather
2024 Indy 500 rainfall plan:IMS President Doug Boles on Indy 500 weather, start times and safety
12:57 p.m.: Indianapolis police ask fans to be patient during weather delays
12:50 p.m.: National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warning for Indianapolis
Racing fans are waiting out the storm as the National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning.
12:47 p.m.: Strong winds expected in Indy soon
more:The Indy 500 has been postponed. What to know about the competition and the IMS program
11:57 a.m.: National Weather Service warns of strong winds:
11:55 a.m.: Indianapolis police encourage 500 attendees to seek shelter in their cars
11:18 a.m.: IMS officials ask attendees to exit the stands
11:15 a.m.: Radar shows storm moving over Indianapolis
10:45 AM: Will the 2024 Indy 500 be delayed due to rain?
Probably. Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Bolles said around 10:45 a.m. that officials would ask spectators in the stands and concertgoers in the Snake Pit to evacuate if the storm continued on its current trajectory over the next 30 minutes. All pre-game activities will be suspended. Once the rain stops, they start drying the track, which can take over an hour.
more:Live Indy 500 fun coverage: Race day coverage from the Snake Pit, Coca-Cola store and more
Early updates:
What's the weather forecast for the 2024 Indy 500 today? Will it rain?
Showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday, some of which could produce heavy rain, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis. The first wave of storms is expected to arrive before 3 p.m., with southeasterly winds turning to south in the afternoon, with winds of 6 to 15 mph. Wind gusts could reach up to 23 mph.
The maximum temperature should be around 76 degrees. Rainfall amounts of nearly 1/2 to 3/4 inch are expected.
Showers and thunderstorms may return in the evening (mainly before 1am) and may be severe. With the chance of precipitation at 70%, damaging winds may be a problem in some areas with possible hail or tornadoes.
South wind around 11 mph, with gusts possible as high as 22 mph. Low temperatures will be near 64 degrees.
Everything about the Indy 500: IndyStar's comprehensive coverage of this year's race
2024 Indy 500 Rain Plan
Earlier Sunday, reporter Nathan Brown spoke with Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles:
While fans may be familiar with the typical eight-mile radius rule within which lightning can temporarily postpone or cancel youth sporting events, IMS said it will move faster to require clearing of the stands on Sunday.
Boles said weather radar will be installed on various video screens around the track so fans can monitor the track of the storm and take action in the most comfortable way.
“As we start to see this storm develop, we're going to start looking at asking people to leave the stands earlier than the eight-mile radius so they can implement their own safety plans,” Boles said. “We still have 120 minutes to come Once we understand how this storm develops, we will make another decision to keep our customers safe.”
IMS will alert fans about weather and venue updates via its public address system and video boards. Fans can also text Indy500 to 67283 to have alerts sent directly to their phones.
Visit indystar.com to see Boles' entire game plan for wet weather.
Indy 500 weather history
IndyStar analyzed Weather Underground's 20 years of historical data as of May 26, this year's race day.
Average daily temperatures are in the high 60s, and only five of the last 20 days since 2004 have rained.
Previous race days have not always been on May 26, and temperatures have varied widely, with a high of 92 degrees in 1937 and a low of 37 degrees in 1947, according to the National Weather Service.
The heaviest rainfall occurred on May 30, 2004, with nearly 4 inches of rainfall on game day.
When is the 2024 Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
The 108th Indianapolis 500 will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
What is the start time of the 2024 Indy 500?
The green flag was lowered at 12:45 p.m. ET.
