Columbus, Ohio – The last patches of morning fog are disappearing across central Ohio, revealing a warm, increasingly humid day that will end much differently than it begins. Sunshine will fuel rising temperatures through the afternoon before powerful thunderstorms develop later today, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rain, and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, patchy fog developed around daybreak with locally dense visibility in some areas before improving through the morning. Attention now shifts to the afternoon and evening, when severe thunderstorms are possible across central Ohio. Forecasters say damaging winds are the primary hazard, although large hail and heavy rainfall are also possible. Afternoon heat index values between 95 and 100 degrees will add to the day’s weather concerns before storms arrive.
Drivers along Interstates 70, 71, 270, U.S. 33, and U.S. 23 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions later today. Strong wind gusts may blow debris onto roadways, while intense downpours could sharply reduce visibility and create ponding on highways. Travelers using John Glenn Columbus International Airport should also watch for possible weather-related delays during the evening.
Today’s high reaches 90 degrees before showers and thunderstorms become widespread tonight. The official forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain tonight, making it the most active period of the week. A few storms may organize into stronger clusters capable of producing damaging straight-line winds. While tornadoes are not the primary concern, they cannot be completely ruled out in stronger storms, and residents should monitor updated warnings through the evening.
Conditions improve noticeably by Wednesday as sunshine returns with a high near 82 degrees and lower humidity. Looking farther ahead, the Climate Prediction Center’s 6-to-10-day outlook favors above-normal temperatures, signaling that summer warmth will quickly return after this brief stretch of active weather.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, Ohio
- Today: Areas of fog early, then partly sunny. High 90°F. Heat index 95–100°F.
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 72°F. 100% chance of rain.
- Tuesday: High 84°F. Chance of showers and thunderstorms early, then partly sunny. 30% chance of rain.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 65°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 82°F.
