Columbus is waking up to a sticky, storm-ready kind of day today, with mostly cloudy skies, muggy air, and temperatures hovering near 70°F. Dew points are sitting around 68°F, so the air will feel every bit as humid as it sounds. Overnight showers and a few thunderstorms have already rolled through, and a Flood Watch remains in effect for parts of the region until 10 a.m. Thursday. Strong southwest winds will ramp up through the morning, with gusts into the low-to-mid 30s this afternoon that could turn the midday commute into a blustery, rain-spattered ride.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West to southwest winds are expected in the 14–18 mph range with higher gusts later today. Those steady breezes will make it feel windier than the thermometer suggests and can easily jostle lightweight outdoor furniture, tents, and umbrellas. If you are driving across exposed bridges and highways while the gusts peak, keep both hands on the wheel and give yourself a little extra room around high-profile vehicles.
Flood Watch And Flash Flood Risk
A Flood Watch is in effect until 10 a.m. Today, June 18, as slow-moving storms could drop localized heavy rain, with new rainfall amounts of a quarter to a half inch possible in heavier bands. The National Weather Service Wilmington also notes the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes with storms overnight into the morning. Keep an eye on rapidly rising water in low-lying streets and creeks and avoid driving through standing water, no matter how shallow it looks.
Weekend Outlook
Rain chances ease briefly on Friday but return over the weekend, with models trending toward more widespread precipitation Sunday and lingering showers into Monday. For more context on timing and impacts, see the cool start and midweek storm drama.
What To Know
Secure loose outdoor items, give yourself extra travel time on wet roads, and steer clear of flooded streets. If you encounter downed power lines or immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergencies, report street flooding to local authorities.
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