The National Weather Service in Wilmington forecasts a potentially messy situation for Ohio. According to their most recent assessment, a prolonged frontal boundary in the region will keep the pattern conducive to showers and thunderstorms over the next few days. The National Weather Service has cautioned residents in Columbus, Cincinnati, Wilmington, and other locations about the heavy rain that could potentially cause floods and dangerous winds today.
Regions along Interstate 70 and south are likely to experience the brunt of this heavy weather. The National Weather Service warns, “Flash flooding will be possible due to the heavy rain,” as places prone to excessive rainfall may battle with rising waters. Furthermore, sections of the same region may have “damaging winds as well.” Given these concerns, a flood watch has been issued for the designated high-threat zones, which will be in place from this afternoon until the evening. Those residing south of the Ohio River should likewise be cautious of potentially advisory-level heat index values; however, thunderstorms may interfere to some extent.
Friday’s forecast is similar: anticipate the precipitation to subside briefly tonight before further thunderstorms appear and begin their march throughout the region. The southern side of I-70 is still classified as a danger zone owing to the likelihood of heavy rain and flash flooding. While the heat may subside slightly, the potential of localized floods remains high, owing to the buildup of rainfall over the last few days.
Looking ahead to the weekend and early next week, the long-term prognosis does not provide much in the way of dry relief. Instead, it leans toward a “warm and rainy pattern,” with deep moisture and the possibility of showers and storms brought on by a returning frontal system. Sunday night, the front may dip near the Ohio River, providing relief to some locations, particularly north of Interstate 70, at least momentarily. However, the balance between wet and dry conditions appears to be shifting, with above-normal temperatures and a rise in heat indexes forecast while the ridge persists over the region.
Thunderstorms are expected to hamper travel plans for Monday. Storm activity, including probable MVFR CIGs, is expected to reduce visibility and flying conditions at intervals.
