Columbus is stepping out into clear skies and a brisk chill Friday morning, with temperatures in the low 40s and just a light breeze. It will not stay sweatshirt weather for long. A quick warm-up should push highs close to 71°F under partly sunny skies this afternoon, before showers and thunderstorms roll back in late Friday night into Saturday. That means a fast flip from cool and dry to wet and potentially stormy as the weekend gets going.
Friday Into Friday Night
With partly sunny skies helping things along, afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the lower 70s. Southwest winds will stay gentle, around 0 to 7 mph, so it should feel pretty comfortable outside for most of the day. The Friday evening commute and early dinner plans look mostly dry, although a few light showers could sneak into the western and southern suburbs late at night. Lows dip into the mid-50s overnight as the air turns more humid ahead of Saturday's incoming storms.
Saturday Storm Risk
Saturday is the day to keep an eye on the sky. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, with the most active period expected from Saturday morning through the afternoon and additional scattered storms possible into the evening. Some of those storms could pack a punch, with the potential for damaging wind gusts or large hail, and peak wind gusts around 25 mph. Many spots are in line for around a tenth to a half inch of new rainfall. Staying weather-aware and keeping an indoor backup plan for any outdoor activities would be wise, according to the National Weather Service.
Events And Commuting
Major outdoor events this weekend, including the Sonic Temple festival at Historic Crew Stadium, should anticipate at least on-and-off showers along with the chance of stronger storms. Organizers and attendees should be ready for schedule adjustments and shelter announcements if storms move through. Full event information and updates are posted on the festival website for fans to check before heading to the grounds at Sonic Temple.
Heat Early Next Week
Once this system moves out, temperatures bounce back in a hurry. Highs are expected to jump into the mid to upper 80s on Sunday and reach close to 90°F on both Monday and Tuesday, before a later cold front takes readings down again later next week. Forecasts have been tweaked in recent updates, but the overall signal for a warmer stretch is still holding, as noted in from sweatshirts to sweat.
Plan Ahead
For Saturday, toss a rain jacket in the car and have an easy path to cover if thunder starts rumbling. Looking ahead to early next week, prepare for the heat by keeping water handy and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the afternoon. For watches, warnings, and minute-by-minute details on storm timing and severity, check updated forecasts before you head out and follow local emergency channels if severe alerts are issued.
