Columbus, Ohio – Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s by Thursday afternoon, pushing near 90°F and bringing a summerlike stretch of heat across Indiana and Ohio ahead of a late-period shift toward storms.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, both states are in a 70 to 80 percent probability zone for above-normal temperatures from April 16 through April 20. A broad heat dome over the Ohio Valley will suppress rainfall early, allowing temperatures to steadily rise through the end of the workweek.
In Columbus and across Franklin, Delaware, and Fairfield counties, highs are expected to reach 86 to 89°F between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with overnight lows holding in the mid to upper 60s. Along the I-70 corridor from Indianapolis through Dayton to Columbus, dry air and increasing southwest winds will accelerate vegetation drying, raising wildfire risk in open and rural areas.
Indianapolis and central Indiana will see similar conditions with highs in the upper 80s, while Cincinnati and southern Ohio may briefly touch 90°F during peak heating. Northern cities including Fort Wayne, Lima, and Toledo will trend slightly cooler in the mid-80s but remain well above normal.
The precipitation outlook shows a transition during this period, with near-normal to slightly below-normal rainfall early shifting to a 40 to 50 percent chance of above-normal precipitation between April 18 and April 22. A corridor of heavier rainfall may develop across Indiana into Ohio, especially along and south of I-70.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, stay hydrated, and secure loose outdoor items as winds increase. Drivers should be alert for crosswinds on major interstates, including I-65, I-70, and I-71.
The most consistent heat is expected through April 19, followed by increasing storm chances into early next week. Additional advisories are likely as the pattern shifts from dry heat to a more active storm setup.
