Columbus is starting Wednesday under clear skies and temperatures near 75 degrees, but the quiet morning will give way to a 95-degree afternoon. The heat will feel closer to 100, making this another day to schedule strenuous outdoor plans carefully.
The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values potentially reaching 102 degrees across central Ohio. The agency advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air conditioning when possible, and checking on relatives and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
Wednesday will stay sunny, with southwest winds increasing to roughly 2 to 9 mph. The latest outlook is a sharper update to Tuesday's Hoodline forecast, especially with a more serious storm threat taking shape for Thursday.
Thursday Brings The First Real Storm Concern
Thursday will remain hot, with a high near 94 and heat index values as high as 101. Showers and thunderstorms could develop after 5 p.m., and forecasters say some storms may become strong to severe late Thursday afternoon and evening, particularly across central Ohio.
Thursday night's storm chance rises to 40%, with mostly cloudy skies and a low near 74. Rainfall is expected to stay under a tenth of an inch in the standard forecast, but heavier downpours remain possible in stronger storms.
Storm Chances Continue Into The Weekend
Friday brings a high near 90 and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, while Saturday reaches about 86 with another 40% chance of rain. Additional storms could be strong, and locally heavy rain is possible as the unsettled pattern continues.
Sunday looks like the weekend's better outdoor window, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 83. Labor Day should stay mostly sunny near 85, while overnight lows fall into the low to mid-60s.
Heat Safety Comes First Wednesday And Thursday
Early morning and evening will be the most comfortable times for outdoor work or exercise before the heat peaks. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, and act quickly if signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke appear.
