INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana is bracing for a prolonged stretch of intense heat as a strong ridge of high pressure becomes firmly established over the region. High temperatures are expected to climb into the low to mid-90s through Thursday, while heat index values — the combination of heat and humidity — will reach between 100 and 105 degrees each afternoon.

Today Through Thursday: Sustained Heat

A well-entrenched upper-level ridge will maintain hot, dry conditions through Thursday. Daytime heating coupled with suppressed atmospheric mixing will keep dew points elevated, and thus heat indices high, especially during peak afternoon hours between noon and 6 p.m.

Storm chances during this period are expected to remain very low as the stable, dry air mass suppresses convective development.

Late Week: Transition and Storm Chances

The heat will begin to subside by the end of the workweek as the high-pressure ridge weakens and shifts eastward. This opens the door for increased moisture return and the development of scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Models currently show some variation on the timing and extent of this moisture return, so forecasts may adjust as the weekend approaches.

Residual scattered storms will be possible into Sunday and Monday, but the main story shifts away from oppressive heat to more typical summer storm activity.

7 Day Forecast:

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is planning to close a few ramps connecting Interstate 65 and Raymond Street on the south side of Indianapolis later this month.

According to a release, the ramp from northbound I-65 to Raymond Street is due to close. The ramp ties I-65 northbound to both eastbound and westbound Raymond Street.

A ramp from westbound Raymond Street to I-65 northbound will also be shut down.

INDOT reported that the closures will allow crews to reconstruct the ramps with new asphalt. The closures will go into effect on July 24 around 6 a.m. The ramps are slated to reopen in October.

Traffic shift in downtown Indianapolis

In addition to the I-65 ramp closures, INDOT has also announced traffic shifts on Interstates 70 and 65 near downtown Indianapolis. The shifts are part of pavement improvements that are being made to portions of I-65 and I-70 between Fletcher Avenue and Washington Street.

Once the traffic shift is in place, northbound I-65 will be separated by a work zone and a barrier wall. The new pattern will force drivers who want to continue north on I-65 to keep left. Drivers aiming to exit for Washington Street will need to keep right before Fletcher Avenue.

Lane and ramp restrictions will be implemented when crews implement the shift. INDOT is expected to provide additional information on the timelines associated with the shifts next week.

While construction is ongoing, the speed limit on I-65 will be reduced to 45 mph.

The ramp closures and traffic shifts are both part of INDOT’s I-65 Safety and Efficiency project. The goal of the initiative is to replace pavement and add additional lanes along the interstate. Officials believe the project will help increase interstate capacity and improve pedestrian and traffic safety in the area.

INDIANAPOLIS – A person was critically hurt in a crash on the northwest side of Indianapolis.

This happened around 11 p.m. Sunday. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, it started when a vehicle rear-ended another car near 38th Street and Commercial Drive.

The driver didn’t stop and eventually lost control of the vehicle near 38th Street and Cold Spring Road.

IMPD said the car struck a guardrail. The driver was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

The incident remains under investigation.