Columbus

Columbus Cranks Toward 90 as Blustery Winds, Storm Threat Muscle In

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Published on May 18, 2026
Columbus Cranks Toward 90 as Blustery Winds, Storm Threat Muscle InSource: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Columbus woke up under clear skies this morning, with the thermometer at John Glenn Columbus International Airport already close to 70°F. It will not stay mild for long, as temperatures rocket toward 90°F this afternoon while a steady south wind makes it feel every bit as hot as it sounds.

Afternoon Heat And Gusty Winds

Temperatures are forecast to climb into the upper 80s to around 90°F, with south winds of 6–15 mph and gusts that could push into the upper 20s. That is strong enough to rattle lightweight patio furniture and send lawn chairs rolling across the yard. Take regular water breaks, go easy on strenuous outdoor activity during the peak heat, and secure anything outside that might go airborne. These details come from the latest guidance issued by the National Weather Service.

Storm Window Tuesday Night Into Wednesday

A cold front moves in late Tuesday, opening the most likely window for showers and thunderstorms from mid‑afternoon Tuesday into the overnight hours into Wednesday. Forecasters say the strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts, hail in stronger cells, and heavy downpours that may cause brief, localized flooding. This updates the outlook from Sunday, so check out Sunday's earlier outlook for the prior forecast and background.

Commute And Outdoor Plans

If you have errands or outdoor plans today, aim for this morning or the early evening instead of the peak afternoon heat, and keep water and shade within easy reach. For Tuesday night, have a backup indoor plan ready for events and build in extra travel time, since heavy rain and gusty winds could slow traffic and trigger scattered outages. Keep phones set to receive local weather alerts and stay on top of conditions if you will be driving after dark.

Looking Ahead

Behind the front, cooler air filters in for Wednesday, with highs dropping into the low to mid‑70s and generally cloudier skies before sunshine returns on Thursday. Temperatures rebound by Friday and into the weekend, although scattered showers remain possible through the period.