Columbus is starting cloudy and mild this morning, sitting near 59°F at John Glenn Columbus International Airport with a southwest breeze. That calm will not last for long. Meteorologists say a strong storm system is set to roll through Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing waves of showers and thunderstorms capable of locally heavy rain and gusty winds. Expect the warmest temperatures to arrive before the front moves in, followed by a sharp cool-down late Wednesday night into Thursday.
When The Rain Hits
There is a chance of showers and a few thunderstorms this afternoon, roughly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. The main show arrives late Tuesday night and carries into Wednesday, March 11, when the heaviest and most widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected. Rainfall totals will be spotty, with many locations picking up around three quarters of an inch to one inch.
According to the National Weather Service Wilmington, stronger storms could briefly dump heavy downpours and lead to localized flooding in poor drainage areas.
Wind Threat And Temperature Drop
Southwest winds this afternoon will generally run around 7 to 12 mph, but they will ramp up ahead of the approaching front. On Wednesday, March 11, winds are expected to increase to around 13 to 20 mph, with gusts reported as high as 38 mph. Forecasters say there will be a window when gusts of 35 to 40 mph are possible as storms pull stronger winds down to the surface. Behind the front, temperatures take a nosedive, falling from the low 70s into the low 30s by Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service Wilmington, some forecast guidance is hinting at advisory-level gusts for parts of central and western Ohio.
What To Know For Your Commute
Drivers and flyers should plan for slower commutes and possible flight delays at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) from Tuesday night through Wednesday. Build in extra travel time, keep an eye on airline or transit alerts before you head out, and be ready for sudden downpours and reduced visibility.
At home, secure patio furniture, bring in lightweight yard items before the strongest winds arrive, and avoid driving through standing water if heavier rain cells park over your neighborhood. For background and preparedness tips, see our March 9 update.
