Friday storms will signal end of record-setting heat

Think it's been a warm winter? 

You're right. 

Indianapolis is in the throes of a record-setting warm-up, putting the city on pace for one of its warmest Februaries on record, according to National Weather Service meteorologist John Hendrickson.

Though colder temperatures next week are expected to bring the month's average temperatures down, this has been Indianapolis' second-warmest February on record, with temperatures staying above 60 degrees for nine days this month — also a new record, set Thursday as high temperatures hit 70 degrees in some parts of the state. 

But a cold front coming through Friday will put a stop to the mild weather, bringing with it chances of severe weather including thunderstorms, gusty winds, hail and the possibility for tornadoes. 

"It’s going to be a doozy of a day," Hendrickson said. "It’s going to be our last real warm day. And in addition, we are expecting highs around 70 tomorrow; it’s going to become windy, and then there’s going to be showers and thunderstorms coming likely by late afternoon."

Chances for severe weather will increase after 3 p.m. and are expected to linger into the evening as the front moves through. Brief periods of heavy rain are possible  later Friday that could potentially affect the evening commute. 

The biggest thing to watch for is wind gusts, which are likely to top out at 40 mph, Hendrickson said. Storms are expected to be more severe on the eastern side of the state, he said, but that could change as the system continues to develop. 

But tornadoes in February?

"We can get tornadoes any month of the year. And even though it doesn’t happen often during the winter months, it can happen," Hendrickson said. "Especially when you get warm weather like what we’re getting now." 

Colder temperatures will return to Central Indiana on Saturday, with the day's high predicted to stay in the mid-30s. There's even the chance of a rain-snow mix Saturday morning. 

Warm ground temperatures will keep the snow from accumulating, but it's a sign that winter is returning to Indianapolis. 

"Compared to what we’ve had, the next week, starting Saturday, is going to feel much colder," Hendrickson said. "It’s going to be at least closer to normal temperatures."

Temperatures will feel a bit chilly heading into next week: Sunday's high is expected to hit 46 degrees with a low of 33 degrees. Chances of rain will return Sunday night into Monday as temperatures near 50 degrees.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.