Central Indiana is in for a wild ride this week, moving from record-setting heat to possible frost in just a few days.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a hazardous weather outlook Wednesday morning calling for showers and thunderstorms at times through Thursday night. A few storms could become strong to severe Wednesday afternoon and again Thursday, with damaging winds and heavy rain as the main threats.

Forecasters expect about 1 to 2 inches of rain across central Indiana through Thursday night. Drivers in Fishers should watch for standing water on roads during heavier downpours.

The rain follows two straight days of record heat. Indianapolis hit 87 degrees Monday, breaking the Oct. 12 record of 86 degrees set in 1879. On Tuesday, the thermometer reached 88 degrees, beating the 86-degree mark from 1975.

The weather service said Tuesday marked the latest date in the year that Indianapolis has ever reached 88 degrees. The previous latest was Oct. 10, 2010. Temperature records in Indianapolis go back to 1871.

The heat continues a warm stretch for the region. The weather service reports September 2026 was the warmest September on record in Indianapolis, with an average temperature of 73.8 degrees.

Official records are kept at Indianapolis International Airport, but Fishers residents felt the same summerlike conditions early this week.

That warmth is about to disappear. A strong cold front will bring wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph Friday, along with much cooler air. High school football fans heading to Friday night games will want to dress in layers.

By Saturday, temperatures will run well below normal. National Weather Service meteorologist Alexander McGinnis said the forecast high of 57 degrees and low of 38 degrees for Saturday are each about 10 degrees below typical for the date.

“The fact that we’re going from record highs to 10 degrees below normal will be quite a shock factor,” McGinnis said.

The weather service says widespread frost is possible Saturday night, with a localized freeze possible in colder areas. The average first frost date in Indianapolis is Oct. 17, so the timing is about right for the season, even if it comes on the heels of record heat.

Gardeners in Fishers and across Hamilton County should consider covering tender plants or bringing potted plants indoors Saturday evening. A frost will likely end the growing season for many annuals and vegetable gardens.

Temperatures are expected to warm back into the 60s by Sunday afternoon.