COLUMBUS: A major storm system moves through Central Ohio tonight. Columbus will reach a warm high near 77 degrees Thursday afternoon before showers and thunderstorms roll in overnight with the chance of heavy rainfall and 1 to 2 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Current conditions at John Glenn Columbus International Airport as of 6:51 a.m.: mostly cloudy, 59 degrees, south wind at 7 mph.
Today, Thursday March 26
Showers likely this morning, mainly before 10 a.m. Then it clears and warms up to near 77 degrees this afternoon. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph with gusts up to 32 mph. Sixty percent chance of rain this morning.
Tonight
This is the main event. Showers and thunderstorms are certain, 100 percent chance of precipitation. Some storms could produce heavy rainfall. One to two inches of rain is possible. Temperatures drop from 77 down to around 38 overnight as a cold front pushes through. Wind shifts from southwest to north after midnight.
Friday March 27
Leftover heavy rain before 8 a.m. then showers tapering off. High near 46. North wind with gusts up to 22 mph. Eighty percent chance of rain in the morning.
Friday Night
Clears out. Partly cloudy with a low around 29 degrees.
Weekend
Saturday is sunny with a high near 47. Sunday warms to near 61 with mostly sunny skies. A pleasant weekend after the storm clears.
Next Week
Monday brings another chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 69. Temperatures climb through the week with highs near 73 Tuesday and 78 Wednesday.
Flood Risk Tonight
One to two inches of rain in a short period overnight can cause localized flooding in Columbus. Low-lying areas near the Scioto River, Olentangy River, and Alum Creek are at higher risk. Residents in Franklinton, Clintonville, and Linden should watch conditions tonight. Do not drive through flooded roads.
For real-time alerts visit weather.gov/iln or sign up for Franklin County emergency notifications at fcemhs.org.
This forecast is based on data from the National Weather Service Wilmington, Ohio. Published: March 26, 2026 | ColumbusFrontline.com