People in Indianapolis, IN are especially likely to experience increased risks from precipitation, heat, and drought.

Extreme heat and flooding pose the most direct climate threats to Indianapolis. The city of Indianapolis has reacted to these threats by adopting a climate action plan to build resilience and adaptation measures in the city.

Indiana is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to the number of rivers, tributaries, and wetland areas throughout the state. Flooding in the Indianapolis area is often related to heavy rainfall. Average annual precipitation has increased in the Midwest by 5 to 10 percent in the last half century. Rainfall during the four wettest days of the year has increased 35 percent, further increasing flood risk. Heavy runoff caused by extreme precipitation patterns can cause severe property damage and overwhelm sewage and wastewater systems.

Extreme heat causes higher energy costs due to air conditioner use, worse air pollution, and heat-related illnesses. Lack of development funds in historically red-lined areas of Indianapolis means that some areas of the city experience the effects of extreme heat much worse than others. The urban heat island effect causes much higher temperatures in areas that have been over-developed with pavement, buildings, and other heat-retaining surfaces. Indianapolis’s approach to climate change adaptation aims to even out climate-based inequalities between communities by expanding green space.

A downpour for Indianapolis, IN is a two-day rainfall total over 0.8 inches. Around 1990, about 40.0% of precipitation fell during these downpours. In 2050, this is projected to be about 46.0%. The annual precipitation in Indianapolis, IN is projected to increase from about 40.2" to about 43.1".

Extreme precipitation in any form can pose significant risks. Climate change is increasing the potential for extreme rainfall or snowfall because warmer air can hold more water vapor. See more information on storm risk. Property owners can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme precipitation.

In a typical year around 1990, people in Indianapolis, IN experienced about 7 days above 92.1ºF in a year. By 2050, people in Indianapolis are projected to experience an average of about 45 days per year over 92.1ºF.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, even in places with cooler average temperatures. See more information on heat risk. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risks from extreme heat.

The Upper White watershed, which contains Indianapolis, IN, has experienced 387 weeks (32% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level, and 8 weeks (1% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought. Source: National Drought Monitor.

Climate change is increasing the risk of drought. Water stress (the ratio of water demand to supply) depends on how water utilities source water and their plans to adapt to climate change. Property owners can also take steps to reduce their risks from drought.

Of 444 census tracts in Indianapolis, IN, there are 313 where more than a quarter of buildings have significant fire risk, and 299 where more than half of buildings have significant fire risk. Property owners can take steps to mitigate their risks from wildfires.

Fire risk depends on proximity to vegation: densely developed urban areas have a much lower risk of burning than areas adjacent to wildland. Climate change increases risks from wildfire by creating hotter, drier conditions for fires to spread. ClimateCheck ratings of fire risk are based on projected weather conditions and U.S. Forest Service models simulating fire behavior.

Of 444 census tracts in Indianapolis, IN, there are 54 where more than half of buildings have significant risk from surface (pluvial) flooding and riverine (fluvial) flooding. Property owners can check a specific address for flood risk including FEMA flood zone, then take steps to reduce their vulnerability to flooding damage.

Climate change is increasing inland and coastal flooding risk due to sea level rise and increasing chances of extreme precipitation. See more information on flooding risk.