Columbus is starting today on a warm and muggy note, with clear skies and temperatures around 73°F early this morning at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The quiet start will not last long: scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up this afternoon and evening, with highs near 89°F.
What To Expect This Afternoon
Storms are expected to pop up during the afternoon and become more widespread toward evening, with the best shot at rain from midafternoon through around 5 p.m. today. Localized heavy downpours could quickly cut visibility and lead to ponding on roads, although most spots are likely to see only about a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain in the first round. Winds should stay on the lighter side out of the southwest, so the main concerns are heavy rain and lightning rather than widespread wind damage, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight Into Monday
Showers and thunderstorms are likely to hang around this evening and the early overnight hours of tomorrow, with lows near 70°F. Where storms stall or repeatedly track over the same neighborhood, some locations could see a quarter to a half-inch of rain overnight, bringing a risk of brief, localized flooding and a soggy start for tomorrow's commute. Tomorrow itself should run a bit cooler, topping out in the mid‑80s but keeping another chance for afternoon storms in the mix.
Impacts And Tips
Drivers should plan on giving themselves a little extra time this afternoon and evening. Sudden, heavy showers may briefly make it tough to see and can cause quick street flooding, especially in low-lying or poorly drained areas. For more detail on expected timing and rainfall amounts, check the latest from the National Weather Service. Columbus Recreation and Parks has opened regional cooling centers and extended pool and sprayground hours, you can find locations and schedules where the heat advisory crashes July 4 plans.
