Columbus is starting Thursday under mostly cloudy skies, but the quiet morning will give way to showers and thunderstorms later in the day. Temperatures should top out around 81, with the steadiest storm chances arriving from the afternoon into early evening.
Storm Chances Build After Lunch
A few showers could develop between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by a better chance of thunderstorms through the late afternoon. The National Weather Service says some storms could produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds, although no watches, warnings or advisories are posted for Ohio.
Rain chances rise from about 40% around midafternoon to roughly 60% by late afternoon. The forecast calls for Thursday daytime rainfall of roughly a quarter to a half-inch, with potentially heavy rainfall and locally higher amounts possible in stronger downpours.
Friday Offers A Brief Break
Friday looks much friendlier for commutes, errands and outdoor plans, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 81 degrees. Northeast winds should stay light at around 5 mph, and the weather pattern will be noticeably calmer than the stormier setup covered in Wednesday's forecast.
More Storms Saturday, Then A Warm-Up
Friday night turns mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers after 2 a.m. Saturday is the next unsettled day, bringing a chance of showers and thunderstorms and temperatures around 85 to 86 degrees.
Sunday should bring mostly sunny skies, a high near 86 degrees and a slight chance of storms, followed by another warm stretch early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
