Columbus is waking up mostly cloudy and mild at about 61°F as of 5:35 a.m. EDT Saturday, June 20, with a morning that will quickly trade in its calm for something a bit gustier. Temperatures should climb toward a warm high near 80°F this afternoon, while a weak front drifts through and tries to squeeze out a few brief showers late morning and into the early afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible, but most of the metro is expected to stay dry. West winds of 2–14 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph, will make it feel breezier than the numbers suggest, so that compact umbrella you stash in your bag might be more reliable than the one you try to wrestle open on the sidewalk.
Afternoon Timing And Winds
Forecast guidance focuses on the best chance for scattered, quick-hitting showers between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the risk topping out in the early afternoon. Coverage should be limited, so outdoor plans can mostly go ahead, but be prepared for a brief sprinkle or rumble. Gusty west winds could knock over unsecured lawn chairs, trash bins, or lightweight décor, and might turn regular umbrellas into temporary kites.
Sunday Night Into Monday: Heavier Rain Likely
The real weather headline arrives late in the weekend. From tomorrow night, June 21, into Monday, June 22, a stronger system is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms. According to the NWS Wilmington, showers and storms are likely after 8 p.m. Sunday, with localized rainfall totals of 1–2 inches possible overnight. Additional rounds of rain and storms on Monday could tack on another 0.75–1.0 inches. The Weather Prediction Center has tagged parts of the Ohio Valley with a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall for this period, increasing the chance of brief urban or poor-drainage flooding.
What To Do
Plan ahead for wet roads and possible localized flooding late Sunday night into Monday morning, especially if you have an early commute. Leave extra travel time, and do not drive through standing water, no matter how harmless it looks. For weekend plans, keep rain gear handy and secure outdoor furniture, canopies, and umbrellas so they do not take flight in the gusts. Stay tuned for any watches or warnings, and check updated forecasts before you head out so the weather does not catch you off guard.
