Residents across the Columbus, Cincinnati, and Wilmington region found themselves reaching for umbrellas and headlights on September 25, 2025, as a complex mix of showers, thunderstorms, and fast-changing skies swept through the area. According to the National Weather Service Wilmington OH, a strong upper-level longwave trough was the main culprit, driving a parade of rain and even a few rumbles of thunder, particularly east of the I-71 corridor. While some folks northwest of I-71 might have enjoyed a brief reprieve, scattered showers still made their presence known, never letting the ground stay dry for too long.
In northern Kentucky, the rain meant business—rainfall rates exceeded one inch per hour in several spots, as reported by the National Weather Service. The intersection near Bracken, Pendleton, and Robertson counties even saw an advisory issued due to a weak mesovort, a subtle but potent swirl in the atmosphere that can bring brief bursts of heavier rain. For commuters and anyone caught outdoors, the day was a soggy one, with isolated pockets of deeper convection producing thunder and heavy downpours. As one local meteorologist put it on WXIX, “Some of that rain is heavy. But this is it—tomorrow, we are going to see big improvements.”
Temperatures, at least, offered a silver lining. The cloud cover and persistent rain kept things cooler than the late September norm, with highs stuck in the mid to upper 70s. For many, it was a welcome break from the lingering warmth of summer. By evening, the radar was still active, especially around the Cincinnati metro area, with pockets of heavy rain and even a little thunder and lightning. Areas like Stonelick, Batavia, Amelia, Highland Heights, Latonia Lakes, Independence, and Crittendon all found themselves under brief but intense downpours—lasting only 10 to 15 minutes, but dropping a lot of water in a short time, as noted by WLWT’s coverage.
As the sun set on September 25, forecasters turned their attention to the night ahead. The National Weather Service anticipated that skies would begin to clear late in the evening, setting the stage for a new weather challenge: dense fog. With recent rain, clearing skies, and light winds, the recipe was perfect for patchy, dense fog to form before daybreak on September 26. “It’s entirely possible we could see some patchy areas of dense fog try to develop towards morning, so that will be the only thing to kind of keep an eye on overnight and early tomorrow,” a local meteorologist explained on air.
Those planning early Friday commutes were warned to be cautious, as the fog could be “pesky and slow your morning commute,” according to WXIX. Visibility was expected to drop significantly in spots, especially for early risers and overnight travelers. Terminal aviation conditions reflected this, with mostly higher cloud bases but intermittent lower IFR and MVFR clouds—meaning pilots and airports were keeping a close watch and ready to update their plans as needed. Winds, meanwhile, were expected to calm from a north-northwest 5-7 knots during daylight to below 3 knots after dark, further encouraging fog formation.
Overnight, temperatures were forecast to dip into the mid-50s, giving the region a crisp start to Friday. But the gloom wouldn’t last. By the afternoon of September 26, sunshine was expected to return in force, with highs climbing back into the upper 70s and comfortable humidity levels. “Once the fog lifts, sunshine takes over and we start to string together a very nice stretch of weather,” WXIX reported, echoing the optimism felt by many in the Tri-State area.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast only improved. Saturday, September 27, was expected to bring a blend of sun and clouds, but remain dry and mild, with temperatures nudging near 80 degrees. It was perfect timing for outdoor plans—high school football games, backyard grilling, or just soaking up the late September sun. Sunday promised more of the same, with the FC Cincinnati soccer match at TQL Stadium set to enjoy warm but not overly humid conditions. “It will feel warm but not overly humid, a fantastic late September day,” WXIX noted, giving sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts something to cheer about.
For those hoping the good weather would stick around, the news was mostly positive. From Friday night through to Wednesday, October 1, a stubborn upper-level low was forecast to linger in the region, bringing a spotty encore of clouds and potential showers. Still, temperatures were expected to remain stable and slightly above normal, providing a gentle transition from summer to fall. “Can’t complain about these numbers,” a meteorologist remarked, highlighting highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and nighttime lows in the 50s and 60s—ideal sleeping weather, if nothing else.
But, as always, there was a wildcard lurking just offstage. Tropical activity in the western Atlantic was being closely monitored, with the potential for what could become Hurricane Imelda to move into the Carolinas early next week. Some of that tropical moisture could slide into the Tri-State area by Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing the threat of renewed showers. “We’ll need to keep an eye on the tropics as we get into Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. There’s a whole lot to work out there,” a local forecaster cautioned, underscoring the uncertainty that comes with long-range weather predictions.
For now, though, the message was clear: enjoy the next few days. “The only interruption will be the fog early Friday, and after that, it’s smooth sailing until at least early next week,” WXIX concluded. With beautiful weather on tap for outdoor events, sports, and everyday life, the region was set to make the most of a rare stretch of late September sunshine—while keeping a wary eye on the horizon for whatever the Atlantic might send their way.
As the weather shifts from rain-soaked streets to sunlit afternoons, residents across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Wilmington are reminded just how quickly things can change in the Midwest. Whether bracing for fog, basking in the sun, or preparing for the next round of tropical surprises, one thing’s for sure: the only constant is change, and local forecasters are ready to keep everyone one step ahead.
