Marcus’ 5 a.m. Friday forecast (INDIANAPOLIS) — We’re wrapping up the work week with a brief round of morning showers, followed by a stretch of below-average temperatures that could bring frost over the weekend. Morning Showers, Improving This Afternoon A weak upper-level system is m oving through the state early this morning, bringing spotty light showers, mainly across northern and eastern parts of the state. Showers will move out quickly through the morning, with skies turning partly cloudy this afternoon. High temperatures will struggle, only topping out in the mid-50s later today. Frost Likely Tonight High pressure will build in later this evening, setting the stage for a very chilly overnight. A frost advisory is in effect overnight for most of central Indiana, while freeze watches are in effect for the northern third of the state. Overnight lows will fall to the low to mid-30s across much of central Indiana, allowing for frost formation—especially in well-protected and low-lying areas. Cool Saturday It looks to be mostly dry Saturday with chilly temperatures for this time of year. Another weak disturbance will pass through and could squeeze out a few spotty showers during the afternoon hours, though most areas should stay dry. High temperatures should top out in the mid-50s. Another Frost Chance Early Sunday Skies will clear again Saturday night, allowing temperatures to fall quickly. Overnight lows will drop once more to the low to mid-30s, leading to areas of frost across much of central and northern Indiana. Rain Returns Next Week A more active pattern develops starting Monday. Temperatures will warm back into the low 70s, but a few scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible. Better chances for rain and thunderstorms arrive Monday night into Tuesday. For the middle of the week, we’ll continue to see chances for showers and a few thunderstorms. Seven-day rainfall estimates put much of central and southern Indiana between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain through the end of next week. Meanwhile, the extended forecast looks pretty chilly for early May, with below-average temperatures expected over the next 6–10 days as well as the 8–14 day period, which takes us into the middle of the month. ...read more read less