Central Ohio faces an incoming severe weather threat bringing heavy rain and potential damaging wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Morning clouds will give way to a hot, humid afternoon with highs near 90 degrees. Southwest winds increase to 7 to 14 mph with gusts reaching 24 mph. Humidity will push heat indices into the low 100s in some spots, although the National Weather Service has not issued a heat advisory. A slight storm chance begins after 2 p.m., but the primary severe weather concern arrives Wednesday night.
### Thursday Brings Flooding Concerns
The chance of showers and thunderstorms rises sharply Wednesday evening, reaching 90% overnight. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, storms are expected between roughly 8 p.m. and 3 a.m., delivering rainfall totals between one-half and three-quarters of an inch. Forecasters warn that damaging wind gusts are the primary severe weather threat, while an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out north of Interstate 70. Showers and thunderstorms remain likely on Thursday, with the high temperature dropping to about 79 degrees and rain chances holding near 70%. Another one-half to three-quarters of an inch of rain could fall, creating potential flooding concerns along and south of I-70 due to repeated storms moving over the same areas.
### Weekend Weather Outlook
Columbus will dry out temporarily on Friday under mostly sunny skies with a high near 81 degrees and a low around 64 degrees. Outdoor plans are most favorable on Friday before conditions turn warmer over the weekend. Saturday brings a high near 85 degrees with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, followed by a high near 86 degrees on Sunday with only a slight storm chance. Drivers should never enter a flooded roadway, especially during heavy downpours that reduce visibility or cover pavement. Residents heading out during evening storm windows should allow extra time for travel and keep a way to get indoors.
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