‘Scorcher’: Old Farmer’s Almanac has some hot predictions for Indiana this summer

Making plans for summer? If so, you might want to make sure you pack an umbrella for your trip to the Indiana Dunes.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its summer prediction for North America, which predicted that most of the country will experience a “scorcher of a summer,” excluding portions of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

For Indiana in particular, the almanac labeled the region as “Hot and Rainy” on its weather map.

When is the first day of summer 2025?

If we look at the stars and the Sun, the astronomical start to summer will start on Friday, June 20, 2025, signaling the Summer Solstice.

However, meteorological summer — when meteorologists say it begins — is June 1.

Old Farmer’s Almanac: Summer 2025 forecast for Indiana?

The almanac splits Indiana and places the state into two weather regions on its map.

Northern, Central Indiana and the Metro-Indianapolis area, which is contained in the Lower Lake region, the region is expected to experience a “warmer than normal” summer with the hottest periods being in early to mid-July.

While Southern Indiana, which is in the Ohio Valley region, is expected to experience warmer-than-normal temperatures, with above-average rainfall for the season. The hottest periods will be in mid-June, early to mid-July, and early August.

The almanac predicts the Midwest will see temperatures 4°F above normal this year.

Old Farmer’s Almanac: Breakdown of Summer 2025 for Indiana

Unlike the rest of the country, Indiana will potentially see a decent amount of rain through the summer months, according to the 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac. Make sure to take advantage of the sunny days when they appear.

Lower Lake region

• June 2025 will potentially experience 2.5″ of precipitation. The almanac predicts the region will experience some thunderstorms and rain showers, and a few warm and sunny days.
• July 2025 will potentially experience 4.5″ of precipitation. The almanac predicts the region will experience scattered thunderstorms, several hot and sunny days throughout the month.
• August 2025 will potentially experience 5.5″ of precipitation. The almanac predicts the region will experience some scattered thunderstorms, some heavy thunderstorms, and several warm and sunny days throughout the month.

Ohio Valley region

• June 2025 will potentially experience 3.5″ of precipitation. The almanac predicts the region will experience some thunderstorms, showers and some sunny and warm days.
• July 2025 will potentially experience 5.5″ of precipitation. The almanac predicts the region will experience heavy rain, plenty of hot and sunny days and some thunderstorms.
• August 2025 will potentially experience 4″ of precipitation.  The almanac predicts the region will experience some thunderstorms, several days of showers and several days of hot and sunny days.

What’s the average summer temperature in Indiana?

Last year’s average temperatures were relatively even across June, July and August in Indianapolis, with the city experiencing 74, 75 and 75 in their respective months, according to the National Weather Service database.

When compared to the National Weather Service database monthly temperature average of Indianapolis from 1991-2020, last year’s temperatures were in line with previous years.

• In June (1991-2020), Indianapolis experienced an average high of 82 degrees and lows of 62.9 degrees.
• In July (1991-2020), Indianapolis experienced an average high of 85.2 degrees and lows of 66.4 degrees.
• In August (1991-2020), Indianapolis experienced an average high of 84.3 degrees and lows of 65 degrees.

How does the Old Farmer’s Almanac make its predictions?

Since 1792, the weather forecasters of the Old Farmer’s Almanac have used a formula created by its Robert B. Thomas, which compares solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity, according to its website.

Forecasters pull from several academic studies to make their long-term weather predictions, specifically from solar science, the study of sunspots, climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns and meteorology, the study of the atmosphere. 

How accurate is the Old Farmer’s Almanac?

Based on internal reviews, the Old Farmer’s Almanac claims it has correctly predicted the weather 80% of the time. However, studies have shown that the almanac correctly predicts the weather about 50% of the time.

Old Farmer’s Almanac points out that long-range predictions are different from daily weather. While daily weather prediction will offer readers accurate data, its long-range predictions are meant to give farmers an understanding of the season’s weather, so they can plan their crops accordingly.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.