Cincinnati is starting today, June 21, on a crisp and quiet note, with Lunken Airport (KLUK) checking in around 61°F early this morning. Some patchy fog could hug the river valleys before 9 a.m., but for most neighborhoods, skies should turn mostly sunny with afternoon highs near 84°F. Just do not get too attached to the sunshine: showers and thunderstorms are expected to roll in tonight and may hang around until tomorrow.
Evening Storm Risk
After about 8 p.m. today, June 21, showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up, with the National Weather Service calling for a high chance of steady rain overnight. Forecasters are projecting around one-half to three-quarters of an inch of new rainfall, with several rounds of storms capable of dropping locally higher amounts. South winds will pick up and gust into the 20s mph at times, so any heavier downpours could quickly cut visibility and leave water ponding on low-lying roads.
Severe Threat Is Conditional
While the atmosphere is not expected to be especially unstable, strong winds aloft could still help a few storms pulse up to strong or even severe levels. The main concern is damaging wind gusts, with an isolated, brief tornado not completely off the table. Forecasters stress that the severe risk is highly conditional on how storms organize this evening, meaning one part of town could see nasty weather while another spot stays mostly dry.
Monday Through Midweek
Tomorrow, June 22, should come in a bit cooler, with highs near 80°F and additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms likely through the afternoon before drier air moves in tomorrow night. The National Weather Service expects below-normal temperatures to linger into midweek, with sunnier, drier conditions favored Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24. If you need a solid dry window for outdoor plans, circle Tuesday, with a high near 81°F, or Wednesday, with a high near 83°F.
How This Might Affect You
That early river-valley fog could put a drag on a few commutes before 9 a.m., especially on routes close to the Ohio River and its tributaries. By evening, the bigger headache will be storms that may force outdoor gatherings, concerts, or games indoors or onto rain dates. If you are headed out Sunday night, keep your phone set to receive weather alerts and steer clear of any flooded stretches of road. For late-night plans that spill into early tomorrow, it might be smart to shift to a covered spot or a venue with good drainage.
Safety Tips
When thunder roars, head indoors, avoid trees and open fields during lightning, and never try to drive across a flooded roadway. Tie down or bring in loose outdoor items ahead of the gusty winds, and be ready for conditions to change quickly as storms pass through. For the official forecast and the latest updates, check the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.
