2012 Indy 500 Race Day Weather Forecast: The Heat Is On

Record-setting heat is in store for the Indianapolis 500 today.

The hottest Indianapolis 500 was back on May 31, 1937, with a temperature of 92 degrees. The daily record for today in Indianapolis is 94 set back in 1911. It’s very likely we will tie or break one – if not both – of these records.

It will also be humid, making those 90 to 95 degree temperatures feel more like 96 to 100 degrees with the heat index.

It is recommended to stay cool this weekend by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic or decaffeinated beverages. I know beer and other alcohol beverages are the drink of choice while enjoying the Indianapolis 500. If you are going to the race, it is recommended to alternate between alcohol – then lots of water – then back to alcohol.

Use sunscreen. Spend some time in air conditioning if possible. Slow down. Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.

As for how the heat could impact the race, with the track temperature potentially getting to near 140 degrees, this will allow for more rubber to get on to the track surface. This excess rubber will make the track slick and drivers will have to handle a loose race car.

Besides having a loose race car because of the slick track surface, winds will increase to 15 to 25 miles per hour out of the southwest. It looks like the drivers will have their hands full with Mother Nature.

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