Columbus, Ohio – Blue skies are giving way to towering clouds across central Ohio late this morning, setting the stage for a much more active afternoon. Roads are dry for now, but conditions could change quickly as thunderstorms strengthen later today with heavy rain, gusty winds and pockets of localized flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop through the afternoon before becoming more widespread into the evening. Some storms may become strong to severe, with damaging wind gusts posing the greatest threat across central Ohio.
Forecasters also warn that thunderstorms will produce periods of very heavy rainfall. Localized flash flooding is possible where storms repeatedly move over the same locations. An isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out, but damaging straight-line winds remain the primary concern as the strongest storms move through.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly on Interstate 70, Interstate 71, Interstate 270 and U.S. Route 33. Drivers should expect reduced visibility during heavy rain, water collecting in low-lying areas and sudden wind gusts capable of affecting high-profile vehicles. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find an alternate route.
Temperatures will climb to around 90 degrees before storms arrive, adding heat and humidity to the afternoon. Outdoor events, youth sports and community festivals should have a plan to move indoors quickly if thunder is heard.
Conditions improve considerably Sunday with mostly sunny skies and a high near 84 degrees. Monday looks dry and warmer with sunshine and highs near 87 degrees. Another active weather system arrives Tuesday, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms with an 80% chance of rain before additional storm chances continue into Tuesday night.
The Climate Prediction Center indicates above-normal temperatures are favored across Ohio during the 6-to-10-day outlook, meaning summer warmth is expected to continue despite periodic rounds of thunderstorms.
Keep weather alerts enabled throughout the afternoon and evening, as Severe Thunderstorm Warnings may be issued with little notice. If you’re traveling later today, are you seeing storms beginning to build where you are?
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, Ohio
- Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 84°F.
- Monday: Sunny with a high near 87°F.
- Tuesday: Showers, then showers and thunderstorms after morning. High near 88°F. 80% chance of rain.
- Wednesday: Sunny with a high near 79°F.
- Thursday: Sunny with a high near 81°F, with above-normal temperatures favored across the region into late next week.
