Cincinnati, Ohio – Hot, sticky air is blanketing the Ohio Valley this week, with scattered afternoon storms likely to develop through Saturday morning as high pressure keeps the region locked in a humid pattern.
According to the Ohio River Forecast Center, a strong ridge of high pressure is dominating the region’s weather, holding in heat and moisture while allowing isolated thunderstorms to pop up, especially late in the day. The 48-hour precipitation forecast through 8 a.m. Saturday shows light to moderate rainfall across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia, with an average accumulation of about 0.32 inches.
Rivers across the western basin, including parts of southern Indiana and western Ohio, continue to slowly recede, and no new river flooding is expected at this time. However, spotty downpours could lead to localized water on roadways, particularly in low-lying areas.
Residents from Louisville to Columbus and into the Appalachians should stay alert for rapidly changing skies in the afternoons. With dew points in the 70s, conditions will remain oppressive. Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours and monitor for lightning if storms develop.
Rainfall chances increase early next week as a frontal boundary shifts south and breaks the current high-pressure hold.
