The National Weather Service in Wilmington has placed most of Greater Cincinnati under a severe thunderstorm watch as heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit the area Thursday afternoon.
The watch applies to Hamilton and Clermont counties in Ohio, all of central Kentucky — including Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties — and all of southern Indiana. The watch will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
The main threats from the system include “very heavy rain,” as well as a few possible tornadoes, quarter-sized hail and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph, according to the weather service.
A hazardous weather forecast also remains in effect through Friday during Luke Combs’ sold-out debut show at Paycor Stadium.
Detailed 7-day weather forecast for Cincinnati
Thursday evening: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially before 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 73 degrees. There will be a light south wind. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Additional rainfall amounts between 1.2 and 3/4 inches are possible.
Friday: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 88. The southwest wind will be 3 to 6 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Additional precipitation amounts between a quarter and a half inch are possible.
Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 70 degrees. West winds are around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts are between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except in the case of thunderstorms.
SATURDAY: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 87. The northwest wind will be 3 to 7 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts will be between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but higher amounts are possible with thunderstorms.
Saturday night: Showers are likely before 8 p.m. Skies will be mostly clear, with a low around 69 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Additional precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90 degrees.
Source: National Weather Service, Wilmington.