2026 Indy 500 Weather forecast questionable. Could rain impact IMS Sunday's race?

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 is almost here.

The crown jewel of the IndyCar Series, the race will take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.

IndyStar's historic weather analysis (provided below) shows that it's rained only once on May 24 since 2006 and the average temperature for the past 20 years has been in the upper 60s. That said, this could be the year that changes as multiple current forecasts call for some precipitation this year on Sunday, May 24.

What is the weather forecast for the 2026 Indianapolis 500?

The National Weather Service on Friday provided its most detailed race day forecast yet. The service is calling for a 60% chance of rain Sunday with heavy precipitation possible during afternoon thunderstorms, which may start as early as 2 p.m. Rainfall totals will be less than 0.1 inches (about the thickness of a popsicle stick), but the predicted thunderstorms could mean more rain hits the ground. Outside of the storms, skies will be partly sunny with temperatures nearing a high of 79 degrees.

AccuWeather's forecast shows a chance of rain clocking in at 84% for the Big Race with a 24% chance of thunderstorms. Skies will be cloudy with some showers. The weather provider's outlook says "rain may impact the race" and "a jacket could come in handy." Temperatures will be in the upper 70s.

The Weather Underground forecast says that cloud cover will develop later in the day, bringing a 58% chance of rain beginning around 3 p.m. Rain might last an hour or two, according to the group's hour-by-hour forecast, with skies clearing up around 5 p.m. The high temperature will hover in the mid-70s.

When is the Indianapolis 500?

The 2026 Indianapolis 500 will take place Sunday, May 25.

What time is the Indianapolis 500?

The television broadcast begins at noon ET, and the green flag, denoting the start time of the race, will drop at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Where is the Indianapolis 500?

The Indianapolis 500 will take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, nicknamed the Brickyard, located in Speedway, Indiana. Speedway is a town northwest of downtown Indianapolis.