Friday, June 5, 2026 — Columbus started the day under clear skies and mid-60s temperatures, and the city is on track for a stretch of dry, sunny weather through this afternoon. The heat will build into the upper 80s on a breeze from the south, and while most of Friday stays dry, a few showers and isolated storms could sneak in overnight. The bigger concern is late Saturday into Saturday night, when rain and thunderstorms are expected to ramp up. After the weekend, the pattern turns hotter and more humid, with daily afternoon and evening storm chances lingering into next week.
Afternoon Gusts and Building Heat
Highs today are headed for around 87 degrees, with south winds increasing through the day and gusts as high as 24 mph. That could make late-afternoon yard work a bit of a wind battle and turn lightweight tents into kites if they are not tied down.
A slight chance of showers and isolated storms returns late tonight, but the better odds for organized storms arrive Saturday, June 6, especially Saturday night when showers and thunderstorms are likely and localized rainfall is possible. The latest forecast discussion from the National Weather Service also points to a risk of some strong to severe storms, with damaging winds the main concern.
Plan Outdoor Events Carefully
If you have Saturday evening plans, it is smart to shift things earlier or make sure canopies and decorations are well secured; gusty conditions can topple pop-up tents, and wet weather may cut into performances or outdoor gatherings. Keep rain gear handy, and be ready for pockets of heavy downpours that could briefly reduce visibility on area roads.
With temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s by midweek, residents without reliable air conditioning should be aware of local cooling and relief options. See the list of warming and cooling locations from the City of Columbus.
Quick Takeaways
Friday: Mostly sunny and warm with gusty south winds; a few spotty showers are possible late tonight.
Saturday night (June 6): Storms are likely, with pockets of heavy rain and gusty, possibly damaging winds.
Into next week: Expect hotter, more humid conditions, with daily chances for afternoon and evening storms. Keep an eye on updated forecasts as the heat and humidity stick around.
