Columbus woke Wednesday to clear skies and temperatures in the upper 60s, but the calm start will not last. Storm chances build through the day as the city heads toward a muggy high near 85 degrees.
A Flood Watch remains in effect through 11 p.m. Wednesday for Franklin County and much of central Ohio, with heavy rain potentially causing flooding in low-lying areas, creeks and streams, according to the National Weather Service. Columbus has about a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, and residents should be ready for quick downpours rather than a steady washout.
Storm Chances Increase Wednesday Afternoon
The morning should turn mostly cloudy, with a few early showers possible before a better chance of thunderstorms develops later in the day. Winds will stay relatively light from the southwest at 2 to 8 mph, while temperatures climb into the low and mid-80s.
The heaviest storms may bring bursts of rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning. Anyone driving should avoid flooded dips and never attempt to cross water covering a roadway, especially as repeated storms could send runoff into already vulnerable spots.
More Rain Arrives Before A Hot Weekend
Thursday stays warm near 85 degrees, with rain showers possible before 2 p.m. and thunderstorms more likely later. Thursday night looks wetter, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms and rainfall totals locally reaching three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch.
Friday could bring another round of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 p.m., with a high near 85. Conditions turn more favorable for outdoor plans Saturday, although a few showers or storms remain possible.
Sunday Could Reach 90 Degrees
Weekend heat builds quickly, with highs near 86 degrees Saturday and around 90 Sunday under mostly sunny skies between scattered storms. A cooler, drier pattern arrives Monday and Tuesday, when highs should settle near 83 degrees and Tuesday is forecast to be sunny.
