Columbus, OH – Residents across the Ohio Valley should prepare for a wet week as periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rainfall through Friday, according to the National Weather Service’s Ohio River Forecast Center.
The rain will impact Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana, particularly areas within the Ohio River and Lake Erie drainage basins. Forecasters say the precipitation is expected to be largely beneficial, as much of the region is experiencing drought conditions and below-normal streamflow.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor update released September 16, 2025, portions of Ohio remain in moderate to severe drought. Areas of Indiana and West Virginia are also classified as abnormally dry. The expected rainfall could help ease these deficits, although localized heavy downpours may cause brief flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
The Weather Prediction Center’s five-day outlook shows the heaviest rainfall centered over southern Ohio and northern West Virginia, with lighter amounts spreading across Indiana. The storms are forecast to continue in waves through late week, with periods of dry weather in between.
Officials advise residents to monitor updated forecasts and remain alert for changing conditions. While most of the rainfall is expected to soak into the dry ground, heavy bursts could temporarily impact travel, especially in rural areas.
