Rain and patchy fog cut visibility around Lunken Field early Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with readings hovering near 70°F and a muggy blanket over much of the city. The warmup will be quick, with highs forecast near 90°F before a cold front slides in and drives up the odds of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Officials warn that the strongest storms could spit out damaging wind gusts and isolated hail, so anyone with outdoor plans later today might want a backup plan ready.
Afternoon Storms And Severe Threat
Scattered storms are expected after about 2 p.m., with the best window for more organized and potentially severe cells from roughly 4 p.m. into the late evening and overnight. Damaging straight-line winds are the main concern, while brief heavy downpours and small hail are possible in the most intense cells. Some spots could pick up a quarter to a half inch of rain tonight. For the latest timing and impacts, see the National Weather Service.
What To Expect For The Commute
South winds will ramp up this afternoon to around 5–15 mph with gusts near 25–30 mph, enough to knock down weak branches and send loose yard items flying around in the stronger storms. The evening commute, especially between about 4 p.m. and midnight, could feature heavy bursts of rain, lightning and reduced visibility, so it is smart to keep your phone charged and build in extra travel time. For background on this morning’s fog and earlier conditions, see our foggy morning setup.
Short Term Outlook
The front should pull in cooler air on Wednesday, with highs in the mid-70s and lingering showers, followed by a brief break on Thursday before warmer, more humid conditions creep back later in the week and into Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2026) is expected to be warm with a chance of afternoon showers and storms as humidity rises. If severe weather moves in this afternoon or evening, head indoors to a sturdy building and avoid driving through flooded roadways and downed lines.
