Columbus, Ohio – A surge of summer storms will make Sunday a day to watch in central Ohio, with travelers on I-70 and city streets urged to stay alert as rain and thunder ramp up by midday July 20th. Severe weather threats include intense downpours and isolated thunderstorms, raising concerns for flooding in low-lying areas and possible power outages in Columbus and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, showers and thunderstorms will become likely after 11 a.m. Sunday, with storm chances continuing through the late afternoon. Localized rainfall may top a quarter inch in some neighborhoods. Southwest winds could gust up to 7 mph, making conditions tricky for drivers along I-70, I-71, and other major routes. Residents should secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and be prepared for rapid changes in visibility.
For those with Sunday plans, allow extra time on the roads and monitor real-time alerts. Sunday night brings lingering storm chances before activity tapers off, with roads potentially slick into Monday morning. Area schools and city services are not anticipating closures but urge caution during any brief periods of heavy rain or lightning.
The unsettled pattern will fade Monday, replaced by mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s. By Tuesday and Wednesday, central Ohio turns dry and warmer, with sunshine and highs approaching 91°F by midweek. The return of showers and storms is possible by Thursday and Friday, making this a good week to keep umbrellas and weather apps close at hand.
Warnings remain in effect for Sunday’s storms. The next update will be issued if additional watches or advisories are posted.
Five Day Columbus, OH Weather Outlook (July 20th–July 25th):
- Sunday, July 20: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 11 a.m., high near 87°F. Rainfall between a quarter and half inch possible.
- Monday, July 21: Slight chance of showers before 2 p.m., mostly sunny, high near 84°F.
- Tuesday, July 22: Sunny, high near 86°F.
- Wednesday, July 23: Mostly sunny, high near 91°F.
- Thursday, July 24: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, partly sunny, high near 94°F.
- Friday, July 25: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 92°F.
