Columbus is getting a little bit of everything Thursday, April 2. Light rain and patchy fog kicked off the morning, trimming visibility and leaving temperatures hovering around 50°F for the commute. By this afternoon, though, the city will feel more like early summer, with readings soaring to near 81°F, a stiff southerly breeze and about a 30% chance of an afternoon or evening shower or quick-hitting thunderstorm.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds will ramp up through the afternoon, with sustained speeds around 10–16 mph and gusts that could hit 30–40 mph in spots. Lightweight outdoor gear, trash bins and patio furniture could go traveling if they are not secured, and high-profile vehicles may feel the shove from gusty crosswinds, especially across open areas and bridges. For the latest on timing, gust potential and any wind advisories, check the National Weather Service.
Weekend Storm Risk
Rain chances climb heading into the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely Friday and especially Saturday, with rain probabilities rising to about 70% on Friday and 80% on Saturday. The main window for stronger, more organized storms appears to be late Saturday afternoon into the evening, with a risk of damaging wind and locally heavy downpours. Some spots could see a half to three‑quarters of an inch of rain Saturday night. It is a good idea to keep Saturday evening plans flexible and stay tuned to local updates if you have outdoor events on the books.
What To Expect For Commutes And Events
For the Thursday morning drive, lingering fog could still cut visibility in places, so allow extra space on the roads. The afternoon commute looks breezy, with gusty crosswinds that can tug at high-profile vehicles and trailers. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) may battle low clouds early in the day, followed by gusty winds later, so travelers should pad their schedule a bit and keep an eye on airline notifications in case delays stack up. If thunderstorms do pop, head indoors at the first rumble of thunder and steer clear of driving through standing water.
Looking Ahead
A cold front sweeping through Saturday night will flip the pattern, dragging in much cooler air. Highs on Sunday, April 5, are expected to top out near 52°F, with a run of chilly mornings following. Frost is possible Monday and Tuesday mornings (April 6–7), and a hard freeze could arrive by Wednesday morning, April 8, if winds settle down as forecast. For more context on how this active stretch set up in the first place, revisit our balmy afternoon before storms.
