Dec 4-6, 8:45 PM UTC

Kubota Gateway Dirt Nationals

  Dec 4-7, 3:00 PM UTC

Snowbird Outlaw Nationals at Bradenton

  Nov 30-May 30, 8:00 AM UTC

FloRacing 24/7

Dec 3-8 · Resumes Today at 3:30 PM UTC

Snowball Derby at Five Flags

Dec 11, 3:00 PM UTC

USAC PRI Show

Dec 12-13, TBD

Snocross National at Mt. Zion

Dec 12, 11:00 PM UTC

PDRA Banquet

Dec 13, 12:00 AM UTC

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Banquet

Dec 20-21, TBD

Hartford Snocross Rounds 1 & 2

Dec 20, 11:30 PM UTC

CARS Tour West at Kern

Dec 28-30, TBD

High Limit Racing at Perth Motorplex

Dec 30-Jan 3, 11:05 PM UTC

Tulsa Shootout

Jan 3-4, 2026, TBD

Hartford Snocross Rounds 3 & 4

Jan 3-17, 2026, TBD

The Dakar Rally

NOT AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA
Jan 8-11, 2026, TBD

Vintage World Champ Snowmobile Derby

2025 Indianapolis 500 Coverage

Indy 500 Weather 2025: Will It Rain On Race Day?

Indy 500 Weather 2025: Will It Rain On Race Day?

See weather reports for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

May 23, 2025 by Kyle McFadden
Indy 500 Weather 2025: Will It Rain On Race Day?

Whether racegoers or racewatchers like it or not, Mother Nature is always one to watch at the Indy 500.

With last year’s race delayed by severe thunderstorms, weather remains a critical factor at The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Below is the latest forecast for Speedway, Ind., covering pre-race (before 12:45 p.m.'s green flag), race time (approximately 12:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.), and post-race (after 4:00 p.m.) periods, including the potential for weather delays.

Forecasts are drawn from The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, the National Weather Service, local Indianapolis TV station FOX59 and racing meteorologists on X.

2025 Indy 500 Weather Forecast Overview

Before 12:45 p.m., expect partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies with a 15-25% chance of light showers, unlikely to disrupt pre-race ceremonies or fan activities. Temperatures will be in the upper 50s to low 60s with light east winds.

During the race (12:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.), The Weather Channel and AccuWeather suggest partly cloudy conditions with a 15-25% chance of isolated showers, while FOX59 and NWS (@NWSIndianapolis) indicate a 20-30% chance of light showers, potentially affecting tire strategy but not likely to cause delays. Highs will reach the mid-60s to low 70s.

After 4:00 p.m., rain chances increase to 25-40% with a slight risk of thunderstorms, particularly south of Indianapolis, per @Indycar_Wxman and NWS. This raises the possibility of delays or a postponement to Memorial Day Monday, May 26, if the race extends late.

Fans should bring ponchos and monitor IMS text alerts (text “Indy500” to 67283) or apps from FOX59, The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and NWS (@NWSIndianapolis on X). Teams will rely on real-time updates from @Indycar_Wxman to adjust for potential wet conditions or delays.

Indy 500 Weather Forecast 2025: Updated Outlook for Race Day

Before 12:45 p.m. (Pre-Race)

  • FOX59: Mostly cloudy skies with a 15-25% chance of light showers. Temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s with light east-northeast winds at 5-8 mph. Pre-race ceremonies and fan activities are likely unaffected, but ponchos may be prudent for early arrivals.
  • The Weather Channel: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of isolated showers. Temperatures around 60°F with east winds at 5-10 mph. Low risk of disruption for pre-race events.
  • AccuWeather: Mostly cloudy with a 15% chance of light showers. Temperatures near 61°F with gentle east winds at 4-8 mph. Conditions should support smooth pre-race festivities.
  • NWS (@NWSIndianapolis): Cloudy with a 10-20% chance of light showers, primarily south of Indianapolis. Temperatures in the low 60s with light east winds. Minimal impact expected for morning activities.
    Implications: The pre-race period remains favorable for ceremonies and fan activities, with a low probability of significant precipitation. Fans should prepare for cool, cloudy conditions and have light rain gear handy.

During the Race (12:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

  • FOX59: Cloudy with a 25-35% chance of light showers, particularly between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Temperatures in the mid-60s with east-northeast winds at 8-12 mph. Brief showers may affect visibility or tire strategy but are unlikely to cause a delay.
  • The Weather Channel: Mostly cloudy with a 25% chance of light showers. Temperatures around 65-67°F with east-southeast winds at 6-10 mph. Hourly forecasts suggest a slight uptick in rain risk toward the race’s end but not significant enough for major disruptions.
  • AccuWeather: Partly sunny with a 20% chance of light showers. Temperatures near 66°F with east winds at 5-10 mph. Conditions lean toward dry, offering optimism for uninterrupted racing.
  • NWS (@NWSIndianapolis): Cloudy with a 20-30% chance of scattered showers, mainly light. Temperatures in the mid-60s with east winds at 7-12 mph. Radar monitoring advised, but delays are not anticipated at this stage.

Implications: A low-to-moderate chance of light showers exists, potentially influencing tire choices or race strategy. Teams should monitor radar, but current forecasts suggest the race can proceed without significant interruptions. The 2024 race required a 90-minute drying period after storms, but current conditions are less severe.

After 4:00 p.m. (Post-Race)

  • FOX59: Increasing cloud cover with a 35-45% chance of showers and a slight risk of thunderstorms. Temperatures dropping to the low 60s with southeast winds at 10-15 mph. A delayed race could face wetter conditions.
  • The Weather Channel: Cloudy with a 30-40% chance of showers, possible thunderstorms after 5:00 p.m. Temperatures around 62°F with south-southeast winds at 8-12 mph. Risk of delays increases if the race extends.
  • AccuWeather: Mostly cloudy with a 25-35% chance of showers, thunderstorms possible after 6:00 p.m. Temperatures near 63°F with southeast winds at 7-12 mph. A drier trend compared to other sources but still warrants caution.
  • NWS (@NWSIndianapolis): 35-50% chance of showers with a risk of thunderstorms, particularly in southern Indiana. Temperatures in the low 60s with southeast winds at 10-15 mph. Potential for delays or postponement to Monday, May 26, if racing extends late.

Implications: Rain chances rise significantly after 4:00 p.m., with thunderstorms possible, increasing the risk of delays. If rain interrupts, IMS’s drying process takes approximately 90 minutes, as seen in 2024. A postponement to Memorial Day Monday is possible if conditions deteriorate, as occurred in 2004 and other years (e.g., 1997, 1986). Teams and fans should prepare for wet conditions if the race runs long.

Additional Notes:

  • Fans are advised to bring ponchos and monitor IMS text alerts (text “Indy500” to 67283) or apps from FOX59, The Weather Channel, and NWS for real-time updates.
  • Historical context: The Indy 500 has faced complete or partial postponements in years like 1997, 1986, and 1973 due to rain, and seven races have been shortened by weather (e.g., 1973, 332.5 miles).  

2025 Indy 500 Reading