Columbus is getting one more easy summer day before the weather turns unsettled. Clear skies and calm air have left the city near 66 degrees early today, July 31, with temperatures headed toward 89 under mostly sunny skies. Today is the quiet day in a forecast that turns much wetter tomorrow and Sunday, when repeated thunderstorms could complicate outdoor plans.
Friday Stays Hot And Dry
This afternoon should be mostly sunny, with a light southwest breeze between 0 and 5 mph and a high near 89 degrees. The National Weather Service expects clouds to build tonight as temperatures fall to around 70. The overnight forecast is mostly cloudy, but rain chances remain near zero.
Storms Arrive In Rounds Saturday
Tomorrow, August 1, is when the forecast changes gears. A slight chance of showers begins around 10 a.m., followed by a growing chance of showers and thunderstorms from late morning through the afternoon, with storms likely by evening. The rain chance is around 70%, and new rainfall could total between a quarter and a half inch.
Tomorrow night looks wetter still, with showers and thunderstorms expected and a 100% chance of precipitation. Rainfall could reach three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch, so outdoor events and evening travel may need backup plans.
Sunday Keeps Umbrellas Handy
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Sunday, August 2, beneath mostly cloudy skies and a high near 82 degrees. The chance of rain is around 90%, with another quarter to half inch of rain possible. Storms are expected before 8 p.m. Sunday night, followed by a lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms into the early-morning hours Monday.
More Storm Chances Into Next Week
Monday brings partly sunny skies, a high near 82 and a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday should be mostly sunny and warmer, reaching about 85 degrees before another storm chance develops after 2 p.m.
Storm chances continue Wednesday, August 5, when Columbus could reach 86 degrees, and Thursday, August 6, with a high near 87. Today is the best window for dry outdoor plans, while weekend activities should stay flexible and move indoors when thunder is heard.
