Ohio – Sunshine is already taking hold across central Ohio, and the comfortable morning air won’t last much longer. Roads, sidewalks and parking lots will heat quickly this afternoon as a prolonged stretch of summer warmth settles into the Columbus metro, with the hottest temperatures expected by midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, dry weather will dominate through much of the workweek as high pressure remains firmly in control. Today’s high reaches 90 degrees, followed by 92 degrees Tuesday before temperatures climb to 95 degrees Wednesday. Another hot afternoon follows Thursday with highs near 94 degrees, keeping central Ohio well above seasonal averages.
The lack of widespread cloud cover will allow temperatures to rise steadily each afternoon. If you’re planning outdoor work, youth sports, gardening or construction projects, schedule the most strenuous activities during the morning hours. Drink water frequently, wear lightweight clothing and check on neighbors who may be more vulnerable to prolonged heat.
Drivers along Interstate 70, Interstate 71, Interstate 270 and U.S. Route 23 should expect vehicles parked in direct sunlight to become extremely hot during the afternoon. Keep bottled water in your vehicle, and never leave children or pets inside a parked car, even for a short time.
While severe thunderstorms and flash flooding continue across portions of the Plains and Midwest, central Ohio remains under a much quieter weather pattern through Thursday. The next opportunity for rain arrives Saturday, when a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops. A few stronger storms cannot be ruled out if enough instability builds, but confidence in any severe weather remains low this far out.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH
- Monday: Sunny. High 90°F.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear. Low 69°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny. High 92°F.
- Tuesday Night: Clear. Low 72°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 95°F.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear. Low 74°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 94°F.
