Columbus woke up mostly cloudy and stuck in the low 50s Friday, but the real story arrives later. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are on tap for May 22, 2026, and parts of the region sit under a Flood Watch. Afternoon highs should reach around 65°F, yet slow-moving, moisture-rich storms could bring localized flooding and a seriously soggy commute. Keep the umbrella close and plan for extra travel time this afternoon and evening.
When The Rain Arrives
Showers are expected to ramp up through midmorning, with the main burst of rain likely between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026. From there, the rain should become more widespread and could turn stormy into the evening. New rainfall totals of roughly a half to three quarters of an inch are possible during the day, with another 1 to 2 inches possible overnight in the heaviest bands, according to the National Weather Service Wilmington. East winds will stay light to moderate through the day, then pick up and swing to the southeast tonight.
Where Flooding Is Most Likely
Forecasters say the bullseye for the heaviest rain sits along and south or east of I-71, with southern parts of the metro and nearby rural counties most at risk for flash flooding and ponding in poor drainage spots. A Flood Watch covers those higher-risk zones, and you can review the broader setup in our earlier soggy setup. If you live in a low-lying neighborhood or close to small streams, move valuables out of basements and stay off roads with standing water.
Commutes And Gusts
Both midday and evening drives will likely run slower than usual, with quick hits of reduced visibility under heavier downpours and standing water collecting at low intersections. Friday night, winds could gust into the mid 20s (mph), which will make wet roads feel extra blustery and may toss around unsecured outdoor items. Skip the flooded road shortcuts, remember the warning "Turn Around, Don't Drown," and keep an eye on local agencies for any road advisories.
Weekend Outlook
Showers and scattered thunderstorms linger into Saturday, with a high near 77°F and a few more pockets of heavier rain possible. Sunday warms into the low 80s but still carries a chance of afternoon storms, while Memorial Day on Monday looks milder with only a chance of late-day showers. If your long weekend plans involve the grill, a park, or the pool, give the forecast a quick check before you head outside.
