Columbus woke up warm, clear, and a little too cozy for early March, with the temperature already near 64°F at 5:40 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026. That unseasonable warmth, paired with a southwest breeze, is expected to help fuel showers and thunderstorms later today as winds crank up.
Afternoon Showers And Thunderstorms
After a slight chance of rain before 7 a.m., showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday, March 7, with a high near 74°F and southwest winds of 10 to 18 mph. Gusts could reach as high as 33 mph, and new rainfall totals of a quarter to a half inch are possible. Forecasters say storms may become organized, with a higher potential for damaging wind, hail, and isolated tornadoes across eastern portions of the forecast area, including the Scioto River Valley, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Evening Commute And Overnight
Rain showers are likely to hang on into the overnight hours, with most spots dropping to around 46°F Saturday night, March 7. West winds of 7 to 14 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, will linger. Lower cloud ceilings could slow flights at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, so travelers should be ready for delays and a slower evening commute. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and steer clear of standing water on any flooded roadways.
Week Ahead: Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds, Then Cold
An unsettled pattern is queuing up for next week. Monday, March 9, 2026, looks mostly sunny, but rain chances ramp up Tuesday, March 10, with the main impacts expected Tuesday night into Wednesday, March 11. A stronger storm system could bring heavy rain, renewed flooding concerns, and gusty winds around 35 to 45 mph. Rain is likely to change over to snow Wednesday night into Thursday, March 12, with highs stuck in the 30s. Forecasters caution that the outlook may need adjustment as details come into focus. For updates, see the National Weather Service in Wilmington and revisit our soggy Thursday showdown in Columbus coverage for background.
How To Prepare
Secure loose outdoor items, charge your devices, and be ready to head indoors at the first rumble of thunder. If you are driving, slow down, give yourself extra time, and never drive through standing floodwater. Check official local updates before you hit the road, especially during the evening and overnight periods.
