Columbus is stepping into a serious late-summer heat stretch, with mostly clear skies early Tuesday giving way to a high near 94 degrees. The heat will feel closer to 102 degrees this afternoon, and the hottest conditions are expected to continue through Thursday. A cooler, stormier pattern is finally expected to take over by the weekend.
Heat Advisory Covers Columbus Through Thursday
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 2 p.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Thursday for central Ohio. Heat index values could reach 104 degrees, creating a risk of heat-related illness, particularly for people working or exercising outdoors.
Tuesday will be mostly sunny with southwest winds between 5 and 10 mph. Temperatures will fall only to around 73 degrees Tuesday night, and the overnight air could still feel close to 101 degrees because of the humidity.
Columbus residents looking for relief can use the City of Columbus cooling-center map or call 311 for help finding an indoor cooling location. Officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air conditioning when possible and limiting strenuous activity to the morning or evening.
Wednesday Stays Sunny And Nearly 100
Wednesday looks like the peak of the heat, with sunny skies and a high near 95 degrees. The heat index could reach about 100 degrees, while southwest winds remain relatively light at 2 to 9 mph.
Thursday will start sunny and hot, again reaching about 94 degrees, before a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m. The chance of rain is around 20% during the day and rises to 30% Thursday night, when scattered storms could continue under partly cloudy skies.
Storm Chances Rise Before Weekend Cooldown
Friday brings a high near 91 degrees along with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, including a chance of rain early in the morning. The broader forecast discussion warns that some storms Thursday and possibly Friday could become strong to severe, so outdoor plans may need a weather check later in the week.
The weekend should bring noticeable relief, although showers and thunderstorms remain possible Saturday with a high near 87 degrees. Sunday is forecast to reach about 84 degrees, and Labor Day Monday looks mostly sunny with another high near 84.
For the latest local forecast and advisory updates, the National Weather Service is urging residents to take heat precautions while the advisory remains active. Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a quick errand.
