2012 Indy 500 Weather Forecast: Record-Setting Heat

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

The hottest Indianapolis 500 was back in 1937, with a temperature of 92 degrees. It's nearly a certainty that we will break that record this weekend.

Temperatures will reach the low to mid 90s, and when you factor in the humidity, the heat index will feel like the upper 90s to near 100. The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a heat advisory for central Indiana for the entire weekend.

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.

Please follow me on Twitter @NASCAR_WXMAN and like me on Facebook for the latest weather updates through the weekend for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Conditions in Indianapolis, IN:
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SATURDAY:
12 p.m. EDT
Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade Downtown Indianapolis – Mostly sunny, Hot & Humid – temp: 89

SUNDAY - INDY 500 RACE DAY:
11 a.m. EDT
Indianapolis 500 Pre-Race Begins – Mostly sunny, Hot & Humid – temp: 87
12 p.m. EDT
96th Running of the Indianapolis 500 – Mostly sunny, Hot & Humid – temp: 90
1 p.m. EDT
Indianapolis 500 – Mostly sunny, Hot & Humid – temp: 91
3 p.m. EDT
Indianapolis 500 – Mostly sunny, Hot & Humid – temp: 94