Cincinnati wakes up to clear skies and a crisp 45°F at Lunken Field this morning, headed for a bright, sunny day with a high near 68°F. A light northwest breeze will keep the afternoon comfortable, and tonight's lows will dip into the mid 40s. Enjoy the easy weather today, because the atmosphere has more dramatic plans lined up for the days ahead.
Afternoon and Tonight
Sunshine sticks around through the afternoon with northwest winds around 3 to 8 mph and temperatures near 68°F. The evening commute should stay dry and clear, but expect a quick cool-down after sunset as readings slide toward 44°F. If you have outdoor plants, tonight offers a calm, cool, and dry window before the busy pattern returns.
Weekend Storm Risk
Scattered showers could start to sneak in as early as Friday night, May 15. By Saturday, May 16, showers and thunderstorms are likely, with a warm and unsettled day on tap, highs in the mid 80s, and wind gusts up to 24 mph. Saturday night looks like the main event, with the heaviest rain expected and new rainfall between three-quarters and one inch possible. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, and forecasters say some storms could be strong to severe.
For more background on how this pattern set up, check out the sunny start and stormy finish, and the latest local outlook is available from the National Weather Service Wilmington.
Heat Spike Early Next Week
Temperatures jump sharply for the start of next week, with near-record highs likely Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19. Highs could reach the low to mid 90s across the area, which is unseasonably hot for mid May and could put extra strain on outdoor activities. The timing of a cold front later Tuesday will determine how long the heat hangs on, so plans for outdoor work or events may need a little flexibility.
Plan Ahead
Secure loose outdoor items before the expected breezy period on Saturday and keep a solid rain plan in place for anything scheduled from Friday night into Saturday. If you will be outside Monday or Tuesday, bring water, limit strenuous activity in the afternoon, and check local updates before you head out into the heat.
