Marcus’ 5 a.m. Monday forecast INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana will enter a very active and unseasonably warm weather pattern this week, featuring daily rain chances and the potential for some strong storms. Gusty start to Monday Early this morning, strong winds will sweep across parts of Central Indiana. Many locations are already recording wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph shortly after midnight. A 61 mph wind gust was recorded at the Indianapolis airport around 1:30 this morning. While the strongest winds should diminish after daybreak, breezy conditions will continue through the day with gusts between 25 and 30 mph. These winds will help fuel very warm temperatures through the afternoon, with highs topping out in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Storm chances return late today Isolated scattered showers and thunderstorms will likely redevelop later today. The best chance for some stronger storms will be in the northern portions of the state. There is a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms today across the northern third of Indiana, with damaging winds being the primary concern. Severe weather risk increases Tuesday Temperatures will climb into the low to mid 80s Tuesday afternoon, potentially challenging record highs. At the same time, humidity will be on the rise as a weather system moves in, creating conditions favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms by late afternoon into the evening. The greatest threat for severe weather will be across the northern half of the state, with a heightened risk in the northern third where a Level 2 out of 5 risk is in place. Damaging winds are the primary threat, though large hail and even some isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Storms are expected to develop in northwest Indiana Tuesday afternoon and slide eastward across the northern half of the state by Tuesday evening. Active pattern continues this week The unsettled pattern will persist for Wednesday and Thursday as a frontal boundary lingers near the state. This setup will support additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with another chance for strong to severe storms Wednesday afternoon and evening. Another storm system will bring more widespread showers and thunderstorms Saturday as we head into the weekend. There is also potential for some severe weather and gusty winds Saturday as a cold front moves through the state. Following this system, much cooler air will arrive for Sunday. High temperatures will only reach around 60°, and overnight lows Sunday night could drop low enough for some areas to see frost by Monday morning. ...read more read less