Indianapolis 500 weather updates: Start of 2024 race delayed by thunderstorms

The 2024 Indianapolis 500 got under way Sunday after a four-hour weather delay.

Conditions worsened at around 1 p.m. ET at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, site of the race Sunday. A band of thunderstorms charged toward the Indianapolis area and lashed the region with rain showers, wind gusts and thunder. As a result, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway decided to delay pre-race ceremonies and the start of the race, and it urged spectators to take cover from the storm.

Eight former winners and six rookies are among the 11-row field that will take the green flag, including Helio Castroneves, who could become the first driver to win the Indy 500 five times. 

Here's everything you need to know about the weather updates at the Indy 500.

Indy 500 weather updates

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced shortly after 3 p.m. ET that track drying was underway, thanking fans who stayed through the storms that rolled into the area. IMS also announced that a local television blackout had been lifted because of the weather delay.

At around 2 p.m. ET, light rain hit the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The National Weather Service is still calling for scattered thunderstorms this evening.

Shortly after 2 p.m., IMS officials allowed spectators to return to the grandstands as lightning cleared the area. The high sits at 77 degrees.

Chance of rain sits in the low teens throughout the late afternoon, with heavy rain expected to pick up tonight.

Earlier in the afternoon, IMS cleared the grandstands due to lightning in the area. The start of the race had also been delayed.

NWS Radar

"Given the proximity of lightning moving toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a decision has been made to pause the pre-race ceremonies and move fans out of the grandstands and Snake Pit," the IMS said Sunday in a statement. "Spectators are encouraged to follow the instructions of IMS team members. They should exit the grandstands in an orderly fashion and implement their personal safety plans.  

"The start of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will also be delayed. Additional updates on timing will be communicated."

Indy 500 start time

Track drying is underway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with trucks equipped with massive dryers circling the 2.5-miles track. Start times for the pre-race activities and the green flag have been posted.

3:48 p.m.: Driver introductions

4:16 p.m.: Pre-race ceremonies

4:24 p.m.: National anthem

4:35 p.m.: "Back Home Again in Indiana"

4:37 p.m.: "Drivers start your engines"

4:44 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 green flag