2024 Indy 500: Weather forecast for qualifying and race day
Sunday is race day at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but one thing that fans and racers alike need to know is how the weather is going to be.
The 2024 Indy 500 has seen the kind of anticipation that befits exactly what it is, one of the biggest events on the motorsports calendar. The problem is that by the looks of things, the weather may not be so good.
When and where is the Indy 500 and what’s the weather forecast?
As stated before, the excitement is at an all-time high ahead of Sunday’s big race, but as things stand the weather could have major implications for the 108th running of what many often refer to as “the greatest spectacle in racing.” With the flag set to wave at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 26th, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, drivers will be set for a 200-lap, 3-hour battle around the infamous four-turn, 2.5-mile track.
That said, there may be trouble in store for the event that was preceded by practice back on May 14th and qualifying on the 18th and 19th. What we’re referring to is of course the Month of May tradition which is in principle the two weeks that lead up to race day, something that sees the city itself holding numerous celebrations including the 500 Festival Parade. As for the trouble we spoke of, that would be the weather forecast which, it has to be said, does not look inviting.
According to reports, there is approximately an 80-90% chance of rain in Indianapolis on Sunday, while thunderstorms are also forecasted with wind gusts of up to 18mph. What that means is that we’re likely to have a real threat of aquaplaning around the brickyard’s banked oval. So severe are some predictions that there has actually been speculation about whether the race will go ahead as planned. That is of course with Firestone’s slick tires in mind, as they’re standard on all Indycars and understandably not suitable for wet conditions. Nonetheless, there has been no official indication that the event will be postponed, and were such a decision to be taken it would almost certainly be at the last possible minute on Sunday. So, for the moment, prepare yourself for race day!