Cincinnati is waking up to thick humidity, low clouds, and a flood watch that could make the morning drive a slog. Lunken Field (KLUK) checked in at about 73°F with a dew point near 71°F as of 5:40 a.m. today, and the air feels every bit of it. A Flood Watch is in place through 10:00 a.m., with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected later and a high near 84°F, so brief heavy downpours and sluggish traffic are both on the table.
Morning Flood Watch
The National Weather Service in Wilmington has a Flood Watch posted for much of the Tri-State through 10:00 a.m. Thursday, following some overnight flash-flood warnings. Forecasters say new rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible in thunderstorms, with higher totals where storms repeatedly pass over the same neighborhoods. Those details come from NWS Wilmington.
Afternoon Storms And Commute
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to redevelop late this afternoon and into the evening, with a high near 84°F and west winds of 9 to 13 mph, gusting up to 26 mph. Any stronger storm could deliver frequent lightning, brief heavy rainfall, and gusty winds that knock down visibility and cause ponding on low stretches of road, so it is worth building in a little extra time for the afternoon commute. The forecast also calls for a wetter stretch Sunday into Monday, with higher odds of widespread showers and thunderstorms that may bring heavier rain across the region.
How To Prepare
If you are in a low-lying spot or near creeks, move vehicles to higher ground and avoid driving through water-covered roads. Turn around, do not drown. You can sign up for local emergency alerts through Alert Hamilton County and keep a charged phone or battery-powered radio nearby in case additional flash-flood warnings are issued. Keep an eye on local forecasts and radar before heading out later today, and be ready to pivot outdoor plans if storms start to fire.
