Cincinnati is waking to cloudy skies Thursday morning, with calm winds. The gray start is setting up a stormy day, with showers and thunderstorms expected to become more frequent as the afternoon unfolds.
Storms Build Through Thursday Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout Thursday, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 81 degrees. Rain chances rise from the morning into the afternoon, reaching roughly 70% to 80% during the busiest storm window between early and midafternoon, while winds may reach 3 to 6 mph and shift direction.
The National Weather Service says repeated storms could produce heavy rainfall, with roughly a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch possible. Briefly gusty winds, lightning and downpours could complicate the afternoon commute and outdoor plans, although no watches, warnings or advisories are in effect.
Why Heavy Rain Can Affect Waterways
A heavy storm can affect local waterways even without a flood warning. According to the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, about 40% of Hamilton County is served by combined sewers that carry wastewater and stormwater and can overflow into local rivers and streams during heavy rain. MSD advises avoiding contact with impacted streams and rivers for at least 72 hours after rainfall or until water levels return to normal.
Hamilton County's official Maps and GIS resources include Special Flood Hazard Area and stormwater map layers. They show mapped flood risk rather than predicting whether this particular storm will flood a location.
Friday Offers A Brief Break
Friday looks partly sunny and mostly dry, with a high near 82 degrees and a light east wind. Thursday night will stay mostly cloudy, with a low around 66 and a lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms before the skies gradually settle, according to the National Weather Service.
Storm chances return Saturday, when showers and thunderstorms are likely under mostly cloudy skies and temperatures climb to about 85 degrees. Saturday night could bring minimal precipitation.
Sunshine Arrives Before Another Heat Push
Sunday begins a warming trend. Monday continues that warming trend, followed by Tuesday's above-normal temperatures.
The stretch ahead is a classic Cincinnati weather pivot: stormy and soggy Thursday, a warmer weekend, then a hotter start to next week. Wednesday continues the warming trend.
