Today, June 16, opened on a hazy note as dense fog and mist settled into the river valleys and around Lunken Airport, trimming visibility to about 2 miles before sunshine finally took over. Temperatures are climbing into the upper 70s and should top out near 80°F this afternoon, helped along by light south winds. It feels like a classic quiet warm day, but that calm is temporary: scattered showers and storms are expected late Tuesday night, with a stronger, more organized round likely from Wednesday night into Thursday.
Tonight: First Rounds
Tonight, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms develops between about 7 and 8 p.m., then ramps up to a higher chance from roughly 8 p.m. to midnight as a weak front slides through. Temperatures will drop into the upper 50s, with southwest winds around 2 to 9 mph. Early storms should be brief and spotty, with localized downpours and generally small rainfall totals. Drivers should be ready for sudden heavy rain pockets and quick drops in visibility on the evening commute.
Wednesday Night: The Main Threat
Tomorrow night is the one to circle on the calendar. Showers and thunderstorms become likely, with southwest winds increasing to 10 to 17 mph and gusts that could reach 32 mph. According to the National Weather Service, many neighborhoods could pick up roughly three-quarters to one inch of rain, and some storms may turn strong to severe. Damaging winds are the primary concern, with a lower risk of large hail or a brief tornado. The combination of heavy rain rates and late-night timing raises the odds of localized flooding and headaches for late-night drivers and anyone trying to squeeze in outdoor events.
Thursday Into The Weekend
Showers and thunderstorms may hang around into Thursday, June 18, before easing in the afternoon. Highs should stay in the low 80s, with west winds around 15 mph and gusts up to 28 mph. New rainfall amounts of about a half to three-quarters of an inch are possible Thursday, which means soggy ground is likely for at least part of the day. For context, a June 15 warning already flagged this midweek setup, today's update mainly sharpens the timing and highlights Wednesday night's stronger wind and heavy-rain potential.
What To Watch
Shift Wednesday night outdoor plans inside if you can, secure loose items in yards and on balconies, and never drive through flooded roads, no matter how shallow they look. Keep an eye on watches and warnings, if one is issued, follow local emergency instructions and move to sturdy shelter. Before heading out, check the latest updates from the National Weather Service and local alert systems.
