Cincinnati woke Thursday under a gray, muggy sky, with temperatures near 68 degrees at Lunken Field and a high near 88 expected later. The day should stay mostly dry through the afternoon, but the forecast turns considerably wetter after 3 p.m. as scattered showers and thunderstorms begin developing.
The bigger concern arrives tonight, when repeated rounds of storms could bring heavy rain to Hamilton County and surrounding areas. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Friday morning, with the National Weather Service warning that creeks, streams and other low-lying areas could flood quickly if storms track over the same locations.
Thursday Night Brings The Bigger Flood Risk
Rain and thunderstorms will become more likely after dark, with a 60% chance of precipitation and a low around 71 degrees. Rainfall totals between a quarter-inch and half-inch are possible, while repeated downpours could produce much higher amounts in isolated spots.
Forecasters expect the greatest risk for heavy rain from Thursday night into early Friday morning. A few storms this afternoon could also be strong, but the primary threat overnight is flooding rather than widespread severe weather.
Friday Stays Stormy And Sticky
Showers and thunderstorms are likely Friday morning, with additional chances continuing through the afternoon. The high should reach 88 degrees, while the heat index could climb as high as 100, making the combination of heat and humidity especially unpleasant between storms.
Drivers should avoid flooded roads, highway dips and underpasses, even when standing water appears shallow. Anyone near a creek or stream should be ready to move to higher ground if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.
Weekend Heat Builds Before Sunday Night Storms
Saturday looks mostly sunny with a high near 90 and only a slight chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Sunday will be sunnier and hotter, reaching about 93 degrees, before showers and thunderstorms become likely Sunday night as a front moves through.
That front should bring somewhat cooler weather Monday, when highs are expected near 85 with another chance of storms. Tuesday then looks much quieter and sunny, with a high around 84.
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