Columbus is waking up in the clouds today as patchy dense fog cuts visibility in spots, especially in low-lying neighborhoods and along river valleys. Drivers are reporting slow-going commutes and some hard-to-see stretches on surface streets, with temperatures sitting in the low 70s and humidity cranked up. Conditions should improve after sunrise, but if you have to be on the road, build in extra time.
Fog And The Morning Commute
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement through about 9 a.m. EDT highlighting patchy dense fog in rural areas and valleys. According to NWS Wilmington, drivers should use low beam headlights and leave extra space between vehicles. In other words, take it slow and treat that gray wall ahead like it is hiding trouble.
Afternoon Showers And Thunderstorms
Once the fog lifts by mid-morning, the sticky air will stick around. With a very moist air mass in place, scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon. Highs will climb into the upper 80s, around 88 F, so any storms that bubble up could be slow-moving and capable of heavy downpours and localized street flooding. The main window for storms is expected to be mid to late afternoon, so plan outdoor activities with a backup and keep an eye on the sky and the radar.
What To Expect This Week
Forecasters expect temperatures to settle back to more typical July levels in the mid 80s through the first half of the work week. Another round of more widespread showers and thunderstorms is possible later in the week. The forecast discussion notes that slow-moving cells could drop heavy rain and lead to isolated flooding, check the Area Forecast Discussion for the technical breakdown.
Plan Ahead
If you are going to be outside, throw a rain jacket or umbrella in the bag and be ready for brief delays on commutes during heavier showers. Avoid driving through standing water, even if it looks shallow. Check for updated forecasts and alerts before heading out, and do not hesitate to move outdoor plans indoors if storms start to fire nearby.
