Cincinnati is starting Friday with clear skies at Lunken Field, but the calm will not last long. Showers and thunderstorms are expected before noon, along with patchy fog, before the region turns hot and humid. The afternoon high should reach 89 degrees, with a heat index near 102.
A Flood Watch remains in effect through 11 a.m. Friday as additional heavy rain moves across the area. The National Weather Service says a quarter to half-inch of rain is possible, with flooding concerns especially high near creeks, streams, low-lying roads and underpasses. Drivers should avoid water-covered roadways and be ready for rapidly changing conditions.
The strongest storms are most likely during the morning, though scattered showers and thunderstorms could linger into the afternoon. The weather service's forecast discussion says damaging winds are the main severe-weather concern, with marginal hail and an isolated brief tornado also possible.
Weekend Heat Builds As Storm Chances Continue
Friday night stays muggy, with a low around 72 and a 30% chance of showers or thunderstorms. Saturday will be hotter, reaching about 91 degrees with heat-index values as high as 103, while scattered storms remain possible through the day.
Sunday could be the hottest day of the stretch, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 93. The bigger storm threat arrives Sunday night, when thunderstorms are likely as a cold front pushes through the Ohio Valley.
Cooler Air Arrives Monday
Monday brings a noticeable step down to a high near 86, but showers and thunderstorms will still have a 50% chance of developing. Conditions improve Tuesday with sunny skies and a high near 85, followed by another mostly sunny, warmer day Wednesday with a high around 89.
For outdoor plans, Friday morning is the period to watch most closely for heavy rain and stronger storms. The weekend will offer plenty of heat and humidity, but anyone heading outside should keep an eye on the sky and have a quick indoor backup plan.
