If you're heading to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati this weekend, then you may want to slip a rain poncho over your dirndls and lederhosen.
A flood watch remains in effect across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky until noon Friday, Sept. 18, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Showers and thunderstorms will continue moving through the area, bringing repeated rounds of heavy rain.
Excessive runoff could flood rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying, flood-prone areas. Localized flooding also is possible if heavy rainfall persists.
The weather service urges residents to monitor forecasts and be prepared to act if flooding develops or a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Avoid low-lying areas and use caution near highway dips and underpasses.
Forecasters expect a brief break from the rain Friday night into Saturday morning. However, showers and thunderstorms are expected to return Saturday afternoon.
Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms, along with locally heavy rainfall, are possible throughout Sunday. Periods of rain and a few storms could continue Monday through Wednesday, particularly across eastern counties. Cooler temperatures are expected next week.
After a brief dry period later today into early Saturday the pattern quickly turns unsettled again, resulting in increased chances for showers and storms. Temperatures will not be as warm with highs generally around 80. pic.twitter.com/f0ndKamCl6
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) September 18, 2026
Cincinnati 7-day detailed weather forecast
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday night: Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low of around 64. Northeast wind around 6 mph, becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday: A chance of thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Widespread fog, mainly before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 69. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 66. The chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: A chance of thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. The chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 62. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. The chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. The chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 58.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Source: National Weather Service in Wilmington
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Flood watch issued ahead of wet Oktoberfest Zinzinnati weekend
