Columbus started today on a crisp note, with clear skies and temperatures in the low 50s. That cool, quiet morning will not last long. Temperatures are on track to climb quickly into the low 80s this afternoon, with skies staying mostly to partly sunny. South to southwest winds will strengthen through the day, turning the warmth into a noticeably blustery setup. Before the breeze really kicks in, it is a good idea to secure lightweight patio furniture, umbrellas, and anything else that might try to make a break for the neighbor's yard.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By this afternoon, south winds are expected to run around 5 to 16 mph, with gusts pushing into the mid to upper 20s. Minimum relative humidity will drop into the mid 20s in parts of the region, which bumps up localized fire-weather concerns in the Lower Scioto River Valley. The guidance is simple: tie down loose outdoor items and skip any open burning this afternoon, according to NWS Wilmington.
Storm Chances This Week
Showers and thunderstorms return to the picture on Monday, April 13, and then come and go through the rest of the workweek. The main windows to watch are late tonight into Monday morning (April 13), Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (April 14–15), and Thursday (April 16). Most days do not feature a strong push to organize storms, so widespread severe weather is not on the table right now, but scattered gusty storms are on the menu during the afternoon and evening at times. For a little context on how wild the pattern has been lately, see this recent swing.
Plan For Commutes And Outdoor Plans
If storms manage to fire, expect brief heavy downpours and pockets of reduced visibility. Most spots should only see light rainfall overall, although Tuesday night (April 14) could drop up to a quarter inch in a few locations. If you are commuting or have outdoor plans this week, build in a little extra time during the afternoon and evening, and have a quick shelter option in mind if thunderstorms move in. Keep an eye on updated forecasts and radar through the day and head indoors if you spot lightning or feel sudden, strong gusts.
