Columbus is starting the day on a clear, crisp note, with temperatures sitting in the mid-40s at John Glenn Columbus International (KCMH). That cool air will not last. Readings are expected to climb into the low 70s this afternoon before a passing front drags in showers and scattered thunderstorms Tuesday night into Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Enjoy the sunshine while it is around, because conditions turn wet and gusty overnight and may stay that way into the Wednesday morning commute.
Tonight Into Wednesday, May 13
Showers and a band of scattered thunderstorms are expected to fire up late Tuesday night, with most of the action holding off until after about 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. Forecasters expect light rainfall totals for most spots, generally around a tenth to a quarter of an inch, but any embedded thunderstorm could briefly dump heavier rain and kick up gusts around 25 to 30 mph. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a cold front will sweep through overnight and could leave some lingering showers hanging around into Wednesday morning.
How This Might Affect Your Commute
If those showers linger, expect wet pavement and patches of reduced visibility for the Wednesday morning drive. Late-night plans on Tuesday are the most likely to get interrupted by quick-hitting downpours. West to northwest winds will strengthen on Wednesday and could gust to around 30 mph at times, so it is a good idea to secure any loose outdoor items and take it easy when driving past standing water. The National Weather Service aviation outlook is also flagging the chance for lower cloud ceilings and brief impacts to flights late Tuesday night into early Wednesday, so check flight and transit alerts if you are traveling overnight or early in the morning, and keep an eye on the National Weather Service for updates.
Weekend Warm-Up
After a quick dip in temperatures midweek, the pattern flips to full-on warm-up mode by the weekend. Highs are forecast to jump into the mid-80s on Saturday and then push into the upper 80s to around 90 by Monday, May 18, with humidity on the rise and another chance for showers and thunderstorms returning. Forecasters say the exact timing and coverage of those weekend storms is still uncertain, so it is worth keeping plans flexible and checking back for updates as the weekend gets closer. For more background on the recent swings between chilly starts, gusty afternoons, and early-season warmth, see our earlier coverage on the pattern shift in frosty chill and wild afternoon winds.
