Columbus, Ohio, is bracing for a steamy stretch of weather with showers and thunderstorms expected to pepper the region over the coming days. As of July 15, 2025, residents are contending not only with the heat but also with an air quality alert issued for the metro area that remains in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 15.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission flagged the air quality alert due to elevated ozone levels, which are particularly hazardous for sensitive groups including active children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma. The air quality index (AQI) forecasted for the region is 101, a level at which outdoor conditions can aggravate symptoms for these vulnerable populations. The Planning Commission advises limiting outdoor activities for sensitive groups to the morning hours when air quality tends to be better.
This spike in ozone pollution is closely tied to the prevailing weather patterns. A high-pressure system anchored over Western Pennsylvania is ushering in partly to mostly sunny skies across Central Ohio, coupled with high temperatures and light, variable winds. These conditions allow pollutants like ozone and particulate matter to accumulate in the atmosphere. According to the Commission, most of the ozone pollution in central Ohio originates from vehicle emissions, including cars and trucks. They caution residents to avoid activities that exacerbate pollution levels, such as idling vehicles, refueling during daylight, and using gas-powered lawn equipment.
On the weather front, temperatures on July 15 have climbed into the mid-to-upper 80s by midday, with heat index values reaching the lower 90s and even mid-90s in southern parts of the region. Dewpoints linger in the upper 60s to lower 70s, making the air feel quite muggy, and a lack of breeze offers little relief. The atmosphere is mildly unstable, especially in the southern half of Ohio, where a weak frontal boundary stretches across the state. This boundary, though lacking significant energy, is enough to trigger isolated pop-up thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.
As the day progresses, cloud cover is expected to increase, setting the stage for showers and storms to move northward overnight into the morning of July 16. The frontal boundary will lift north as a warm front, increasing atmospheric instability and raising the likelihood of scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Some of these storms could bring heavy downpours and gusty winds, posing a risk of localized flooding, particularly in areas with saturated ground. Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to monitor local creeks and streams closely over the next few days.
Thursday, July 17, will continue the trend of showers and thunderstorms amid warm, humid conditions. Temperatures are forecasted to remain above average, with dewpoints climbing into the mid-70s. The heat index is expected to soar into the upper 90s, intensifying the discomfort caused by the muggy air. This pattern of unsettled weather is set to persist as a cold front approaches Ohio on the morning of July 18.
However, the anticipated high-pressure system that might have provided relief is weak and transient, moving out quickly and leaving the region vulnerable to yet another round of showers and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening. Rainfall will continue through the weekend, with disturbances riding along the lingering front, keeping the threat of wet weather alive into early next week.
Looking ahead to July 21 and 22, another low-pressure system is expected to move up the Ohio River Valley, prolonging the chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures throughout this period will hover near normal for mid-July, generally settling in the mid-to-upper 80s.
Local meteorologist Dave from NBC4i summarized the outlook: "It was another warm and muggy start to the day, and midday temps are already surging to near our normal highs for this time of the year. We will see temps push up near 90 today, with heat index values topping into the lower 90s with some mid 90s south. By mid to late afternoon, we will have some chances for isolated pop-up storms. Tonight, clouds will increase, as showers and storms will move north overnight into the morning hours. Expect chances of showers and storms by daybreak on Wednesday. Wednesday will feature on and off showers and storms. Between the storms, it will be quite warm and muggy, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Rain and storms will remain in a fairly decent chance again on Thursday with highs still above normal in the upper 80s. The front that is slowly drifting north, will slide back to the south during the day on Friday, with highs back near normal in the middle 80s with rain and storms possible. As we get into the weekend, the front will continue to linger near our area, with disturbances rolling through the area. Temps will remain near normal this weekend in the mid to upper 80s. Rain and storms will continue through the weekend forecast, and into early next week. High temps will remain near normal next Monday with highs in the mid to upper 80s."
The combination of heat, humidity, and poor air quality poses a significant challenge for Columbus residents, especially those with health vulnerabilities. As the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission emphasized, "Light and variable surface winds will allow smoke and other pollutants to accumulate in the Columbus region, elevating particle levels and ozone precursors." The Commission's advice to reduce pollution by avoiding idling and refueling during daylight hours, as well as limiting the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, is critical during this period.
Fortunately, projections from AirNow.gov suggest that the air quality index should improve to good and moderate levels by July 20, offering some respite from the current unhealthy conditions.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed, monitor local weather and air quality reports, and take precautions to stay safe and comfortable during this sultry and stormy stretch of summer.
