Columbus is starting off muggy in the mid 60s under partly cloudy skies, but the real story hits later today. Heavy rain is on the way, and a Flood Watch is posted today afternoon through tomorrow morning. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected, which could mean wet evening commutes and pockets of localized flooding where downpours linger.
Afternoon Into Tonight
Between noon and 5 p.m., scattered showers may pop up, with highs near 78°F and a light northeast breeze. Coverage of storms ramps up late this afternoon and into tonight, with rain chances climbing steadily through the evening. Some cells could bring heavy rain and lightning, so any outdoor plans should come with a fast escape plan.
Flood Watch And Heavy Rain Risk
A stalled front combined with a surge of Gulf moisture is setting the stage for repeated heavy rain and what forecasters describe as efficient warm-rain processes, boosting the chance for urban and stream flooding. Locally heavier totals are on the table, with forecasters highlighting the potential for swaths of more than 2 inches south of I-70 and new overnight amounts of roughly three-quarters of an inch in some neighborhoods. That setup is why the Flood Watch is posted, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Safety And Commute Tips
Drivers should avoid plowing through standing water, since just a few inches can sideline a car, and should ease off the gas on slick roads and budget extra time for the evening drive. If you find a flooded roadway, remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Move parked vehicles to higher ground if they are in low spots, and keep phones charged so you do not miss alerts. Keep an eye out for flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and near small streams, and be prepared for possible road closures and brief power issues.
Heat Returns Next Week
Once the rain clears out late tomorrow, a strong ridge builds in early next week, and temperatures jump quickly. Highs are expected to reach about 91°F on Monday, then climb into the low to mid 90s by Tuesday and into the mid 90s to upper 90s by midweek, bringing growing concerns about heat index values. Forecasters say heat advisories are likely as humidity returns. For anyone needing a break from the heat, the City of Columbus maintains a list of cooling centers, including the Third Shift Warming/Cooling Center at 1015 E. Main St.
.jpg){kind=link}