Columbus is waking up to a cloudy, mild Tuesday with temperatures hovering near 68°F at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and it is only going up from there. Forecasters expect the afternoon to push into the low 80s, setting up one of the warmest days so far this spring. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms lingers before mid-afternoon, with storm odds ramping up later in the day and into the evening.
Afternoon Storm Risk
The National Weather Service is flagging the potential for a few strong to severe thunderstorms across west-central Ohio on Tuesday. Damaging wind and large hail are the main worries. The most favored zone for stronger storms sits northwest of I‑71, and forecasters note that the exact timing and coverage of any storms remain uncertain. If early-morning storms fade out, the area has a better shot at flirting with near-record highs instead of dealing with widespread severe weather.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds will crank up through the morning and gust into the afternoon, generally around 10 to 16 mph, with gusts topping out near 28 mph. That will make it feel a bit hotter and could rattle any loose patio furniture. Lower cloud ceilings combined with those gusty winds may slow flights and stretch out travel times at John Glenn Columbus International, so flyers may want to pad their schedules this afternoon. For a look at how a similar warm-and-windy setup has played out locally before, check out our balmy Saturday storm setup.
Warm Week Then Quick Flip
Temperatures could climb into the mid‑80s on Wednesday before more chances for showers and thunderstorms arrive later in the week. A strong cold front is expected to sweep through over the weekend, bringing another round of storms on Saturday and a sharp cool-down that may drag temperatures into the 30s by Sunday night. The National Weather Service notes that this pattern shift could upend outdoor plans for late‑week events.
How To Plan
A light jacket should cover the cooler, cloudy morning, but you will want sunscreen handy for the warm afternoon and rain gear close by in case a brief downpour or thunderstorm pops up. Secure any loose items outside and avoid lingering under large trees during the gustier periods; if you can hear thunder, head indoors and wait it out. Keep an eye on updated forecasts before heading out later today and allow extra time for both road commutes and airport trips.
