Columbus woke Friday to rain, fog and muggy air, with temperatures around 72 degrees before a stormy morning commute. Showers and thunderstorms are likely through late morning, and the temperature should climb to about 84 degrees by the afternoon.
A Flood Watch remains in effect through 11 a.m. for Franklin County and much of central Ohio. One to 2 inches of rain could fall Friday, and the National Weather Service warns that already-high creeks and streams could rise quickly, especially where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.
Heavy Rain Threatens Friday Morning
The strongest storm risk is expected before about 2 p.m., with downpours, frequent lightning and locally damaging winds possible. Forecasters also say marginal severe hail and an isolated brief tornado cannot be ruled out, so drivers should avoid flooded streets, low-lying areas, highway dips and underpasses.
Storm coverage should ease later Friday, though the afternoon will stay mostly cloudy and humid. Southeast winds will remain light at roughly 2 to 6 mph, while Friday night brings a low near 70 and a 30% chance of another shower or thunderstorm.
Weekend Heat Arrives Between Storms
Saturday looks warmer, with mostly sunny intervals and a high near 87 degrees, but a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms remains in the forecast. Storm chances rise Saturday night, when thunderstorms are likely and another quarter- to half-inch of rain could fall.
Sunday may be the hottest day of the stretch, reaching about 89 degrees with more showers and thunderstorms possible. The combination of heat and humidity could push heat-index readings near 100 to 104 degrees, making outdoor plans feel considerably tougher than the thermometer suggests.
Cooler, Drier Weather Arrives Monday
A cold front is expected to move through late Sunday night or Monday morning, bringing a partly sunny Monday with a high near 84 and only a slight afternoon storm chance. Monday night should be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 64 degrees and humidity beginning to ease.
Tuesday looks like the week’s cleanest weather day, with sunny skies and a high near 83. Wednesday should stay mostly sunny near 85, while Thursday brings another chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high around 83.
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