Friday in Cincinnati is starting off on the warm and muggy side, with partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the upper 60s, and humidity you can definitely feel. A southwest breeze will push even warmer air into the region, sending afternoon highs into the low 80s. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected from late morning into the afternoon, with the potential for brief heavy downpours and some gusty winds.
Afternoon Showers and Gusty Winds
The best shot at showers and thunderstorms arrives this afternoon, with a high near 81 and southwest winds around 10 mph. Stronger cells could kick up gusts to about 22 mph, and many neighborhoods can expect around a quarter to a half inch of rain. Visibility could drop quickly in heavier bursts of rain, so keep the umbrella close and be ready for a few sudden soakings, according to the National Weather Service.
Severe Risk Saturday Evening
The severe threat ramps up Saturday afternoon into the evening as storms become more organized and capable of producing damaging straight-line winds and large hail. Forecasters note that a few wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph could mix down with the heaviest showers, and localized higher rainfall totals are possible late Saturday night. Stay tuned for any watches and warnings that may be issued as the setup evolves, per the National Weather Service.
Cooler Weekend and Frost Risk
A cold front will sweep through Saturday night and pull in much cooler, drier air for Sunday and early next week. Sunday’s highs are expected to top out in the mid 50s, a sharp drop from Friday and Saturday. Lows Sunday through Tuesday nights could fall into the upper 30s, with frost possible depending on wind speeds and how much cloud cover hangs around. For timing details and any changes to rainfall expectations, check the latest from the National Weather Service.
What To Watch
Look for spotty showers during the morning commute, then a better chance for heavier, windier storms this afternoon and again Saturday evening. It is a good time to secure patio furniture and clear out low-lying spots where water tends to pool if heavier rain is expected. When warnings are issued, head indoors, stay away from flooded roads, and give yourself extra time if you need to travel. There are no active watches or warnings at the moment, but conditions can change in a hurry, so keep a local weather app or NOAA weather radio nearby.
