Grab Your Galoshes: Heavy Rain and Flood Alerts Grip Columbus This Thursday

A Soggy Start for the Capital City

Residents of Columbus are waking up to a very wet Thursday, March 5, 2026. The city is currently under a Weather Impact Alert due to significant rainfall and the potential for localized flooding. While temperatures are unseasonably mild for early March, the high moisture content in the air is bringing a persistent deluge that will affect both the morning and evening commutes.

Morning Forecast: Heavy Downpours and Flood Watches

The most intense weather is expected during the morning hours. Heavy rain is forecasted throughout the early part of the day, with a precipitation chance sitting at nearly 100%. A Flood Watch remains in effect for Franklin County and surrounding areas until 1:00 PM today. Forecasters expect between 1 and 2 inches of total rainfall, which may lead to rising water levels in smaller creeks and low-lying roads. If you are heading out early, expect visibility issues and ponding on major thoroughfares like I-71 and I-270.

Afternoon Outlook: Mild Temps and Lingering Showers

As we head into the afternoon, the steady rain is expected to transition into scattered showers. Despite the grey skies, Columbus will experience a significant warming trend. We are looking at a high of 65°F, which is well above the historical average for this time of year. Winds will be blowing from the southwest at approximately 12 mph, adding a breezy feel to the damp air. While the official Flood Watch expires at 1:00 PM, residents should remain vigilant as the ground is heavily saturated.

Evening and Overnight: Tapering Off

By the evening, the chance of rain drops significantly to about 25%. Conditions will remain predominantly overcast, but the heavy downpours will have mostly exited the region. The overnight low is expected to settle around 53°F, keeping the night relatively warm. Humidity will remain high, hovering around 90%, which may result in patchy fog developing before the Friday morning commute.

Quick Weather Stats for Thursday, March 5

• High Temperature: 65°F
• Low Temperature: 53°F
• Precipitation: 1.47 inches expected
• Wind: SW at 12 mph
• Alerts: Flood Watch until 1:00 PM EST

Drivers are encouraged to "turn around, don't drown" if they encounter flooded roadways and to allow for extra travel time throughout the day. Stay tuned to columbus.news for further updates on changing weather patterns as we head into a warmer, albeit active, weekend.