While Memorial Day is a time to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service, this weekend also sees some of the most thrilling car races of the season, with both IndyCars and stock cars competing.
While AccuWeather experts predict that it will stay dry in Indianapolis, there is a chance of thunderstorms causing disruption at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Race enthusiasts are accustomed to enduring the scorching sun and heat during many events throughout the season. Although the Indianapolis 500 is relatively cooler than other races, spectators should still be prepared for sunny conditions in the stands.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Robert Shwartzman from Israel celebrated securing pole position during the Indianapolis 500 qualifications. The weather is expected to be favourable for this year’s race, with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the comfortable to cool range of the 60s (15–20°C) on Sunday afternoon. Despite the cloud cover, sunburn is still a risk at this time of year, so precautions such as wearing sunscreen and sunglasses are advised.
Although rain is forecast for parts of southern Indiana and central Illinois, it is unlikely to affect the racetrack. However, if a storm system shifts northwards from the Ozarks, there is a possibility that showers could reach the track.
Meanwhile, approximately 425 miles southeast of Indianapolis, in Harrisburg, North Carolina, where Charlotte Motor Speedway is located, challenging weather conditions are expected for the NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday evening.
There is potential for showers and thunderstorms to move east across North Carolina on Sunday afternoon and evening, which could result in delays or a rain-shortened race. If the race is delayed until Monday, there might be breaks in the rain, but dry weather cannot be guaranteed for an extended period.
The anticipated temperatures for Sunday’s activities are in the mid-70s, dropping to the 60s at night and possibly falling into the upper 50s if heavy rain persists. To access advanced safety features and an ad-free experience, consider subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. Expert meteorologists issue hyperlocal severe weather alerts 24/7 to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
