Columbus is waking up to clear skies and temperatures around 75 degrees Thursday, but the pleasant start will quickly give way to dangerous heat. Highs are expected to reach 94 degrees, with the heat index climbing as high as 102.
Heat Peaks Thursday Afternoon
Mostly sunny skies will dominate through the afternoon as west winds increase to 3 to 8 mph. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 5 p.m., with a 20% chance of rain that could complicate evening outdoor plans.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Friday for Columbus and much of central Ohio, with heat index values expected between 100 and 105 degrees. The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air conditioning or shade, and checking on relatives and neighbors. According to the Ohio Department of Health, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 people die nationwide from heat-related causes every year on average. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the number of extremely hot days—defined as days with temperatures above 95°F—is projected to increase with climate change, with extreme heat days becoming more common throughout the country.
Storm Chances Build Friday And Saturday
Friday will stay mostly sunny but hot, with a high near 91 and a heat index near 100. Showers and thunderstorms are possible between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., while the rain chance rises again Friday night after 2 a.m.
Saturday brings a better chance of unsettled weather, with showers and thunderstorms possible through much of the day and a 50% chance of rain. The high should ease to about 86 degrees, but some storms could be strong and rainfall may become locally heavy.
Cooler, Calmer Holiday Weekend Finish
Saturday night turns partly cloudy with a low around 63 after a lingering chance of evening storms. Sunday looks much more comfortable and sunny, with a high near 82, followed by a sunny Labor Day near 84 degrees.
Warm weather returns next week, with highs near 87 Tuesday and 90 Wednesday. For Thursday and Friday, the main concern is the combination of heat and humidity before the weekend's storms finally break the pattern.
