Columbus starts Wednesday mostly cloudy and around 72 degrees, but the morning clouds will give way to a hot, humid afternoon near 90. A slight storm chance begins after 2 p.m., with the bigger concern arriving Wednesday night as thunderstorms and heavy rain move across central Ohio.
Heat Builds Before The Storms
Wednesday should turn mostly sunny through the late morning and early afternoon, while southwest winds increase to 7 to 14 mph with gusts up to 24 mph. Humidity may push the heat into uncomfortable territory, with heat indices briefly reaching the low 100s in spots, although no heat advisory is currently posted.
Storm Risk Rises Wednesday Night
The chance of showers and thunderstorms rises sharply Wednesday evening, reaching 90% overnight. Storms are expected at times between roughly 8 p.m. and 3 a.m., with rainfall totals of about one-half to three-quarters of an inch possible. The National Weather Service in Wilmington says damaging wind gusts are the primary severe-weather concern, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out farther north of Interstate 70.
Thursday Brings The Heaviest Rain Threat
Showers and thunderstorms are likely Thursday, when the high temperature drops to about 79 degrees and the rain chance remains near 70%. Another one-half to three-quarters of an inch could fall, and repeated storms over the same areas could create flooding concerns, particularly along and south of I-70. The latest outlook shifts the most significant rainfall threat toward Thursday daytime, a notable change from Hoodline's earlier Columbus forecast.
Friday Offers A Brief Break
Columbus should dry out Friday under mostly sunny skies, with a high near 81 and a low around 64 Friday night. The weekend turns warmer again, reaching about 85 Saturday with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by a high near 86 Sunday and only a slight storm chance.
Outdoor plans are most favorable Friday, while people heading out Wednesday evening or Thursday should keep a way to get indoors and allow extra time for downpours. Drivers should never enter a flooded roadway, especially if heavy rain reduces visibility or water covers the pavement.
