By Patrick M. Lind
Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is home to almost 800,000 people, the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, and the Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens. Visiting Indianapolis is a worthwhile experience, but weather and climate should be taken into consideration before planning a trip.
Climate
Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate. This is characterized by having four distinct seasons, mild to hot summers and cold winters.
Temperature
Temperatures vary widely from season to season. Winter averages are 22 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit, with spring warming up to 42 to 63 degrees. Summer averages 63 to 84 degrees, with fall temperatures a chilly 44 to 65 degrees.
Precipitation
Precipitation is common throughout the year. In the spring, summer, and early fall it comes in the form of rain. In the winter it comes as snow and can range from sleet to flurries to blizzards. July averages the most rain with more than 4 inches, and snowfall is the highest in January, averaging close to 7 inches.
Humidity
Humidity is common throughout the year, with winter being the most humid. Levels can range from 60 to 83 percent in the winter and 49 to 79 percent in the summer. Humidity mixed with heat can cause a moderate to medium level of discomfort in the summer.
Wind
The average wind speed is 11 mph. In the summer it can create a cooling breeze; in the winter it can make the air crisper and cooler. Violent wind is possible, especially in the spring, as Indianapolis is located in Tornado Alley.
Resources
About the Author:
Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
