INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana is bracing for a severe weather threat Tuesday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds and flash flooding the primary concerns.

A flood watch is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. for much of central Indiana as a storm complex approaches from the northwest. Additionally, a heat advisory has been issued for southwestern Indiana from noon to 9 p.m., with heat index values expected to reach 105 degrees.

The day begins with oppressive heat and humidity, especially across southwestern Indiana where the heat advisory is in effect. High temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s, with heat index values reaching dangerous levels in the southwest.

A few storms have already formed in northern Indiana this morning. Some of these will sneak into our far northern counties of central Indiana. At worst, marginally severe storms are possible through mid-morning. Heavy rain and frequent lightning will be the primary concern with any storm this morning.

Storm development is expected to begin by midday to early afternoon as a complex of storms moves into the region from the northwest. These storms will be capable of producing damaging winds and heavy rainfall as they track across central Indiana during the mid to late afternoon hours.

The primary concern will be flash flooding as storms train over the same areas repeatedly. Localized rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible. Low-lying areas and poor drainage locations will be most susceptible to flooding issues.

Damaging winds will be the other major threat, with gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph in the strongest storms.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue through the evening hours, gradually tapering off late tonight. Areas of heavy rain may persist into the overnight hours, especially in southern portions of the state.

Overnight lows will remain muggy, falling only into the lower to mid-70s.

The active weather pattern continues as additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms develop during the day. While the severe threat looks to be lower than Tuesday, heavy rain remains a concern with already saturated ground from Tuesday’s rainfall. Much of the state is in a level 1 or level 2 threat for severe weather, with damaging winds the primary concern.

High temperatures will reach the mid to upper 80s with continued high humidity.

A cold front will push through the region late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, bringing much-needed relief from the heat and humidity. Behind the front, high temperatures Thursday and Friday will moderate into the low to mid-80s with lower humidity levels.

High pressure will build in for the weekend, keeping much of the area dry through Saturday. Isolated storms may develop Sunday afternoon, with a better chance for more widespread precipitation arriving late Sunday night into early next week.

High temperatures over the weekend will remain seasonable in the low to mid-80s.