Weekend brings rain, potential thunderstorms for outdoor events in Columbus

Pelotonia riders, Dublin Irish Festival goers and Ohio State Fair attendees may be in for a rainy weekend. According to Accuweather, Columbus will see cloudy and cooler conditions, with showers and thunderstorms. There is a 88% chance of rain and a 53% chance of thunderstorms, with wind gusts expect

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Pelotonia riders, Dublin Irish Festival goers and Ohio State Fair attendees may be in for a rainy weekend.

According to Accuweather, Columbus will see cloudy and cooler conditions, with showers and thunderstorms. There is a 88% chance of rain and a 53% chance of thunderstorms, with wind gusts expected at 18 mph. By the evening, the probability of precipitation reaches 97%, with potential ponding on highways and roads.

"Storms may be capable of heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts and even brief tornadoes given the proximity of the surface low," the National Weather Service in Wilmington said, noting the greatest problems are likely between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. and south and west of Columbus.

A low pressure system will help generate rounds of showers

and storms on Saturday. Storms may be capable of heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts and even brief tornadoes given the proximity of the surface low. pic.twitter.com/dSLhyXZAb3

— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) July 31, 2026

Showers and a thunderstormwilll continue Aug. 2, with clouds and sun in the afternoon. The probability of precipitation is 88%, with thunderstorms at 35%. The evening is expected to bring more thunderstorms, followed by late showers.

Over the weekend, the temperature is expected to be in the mid to low 80s during the day.

This year's Dublin Irish Festival is open from 4 p.m. to midnight July 31, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 1 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2. The Ohio State Fair food vendors, activities, entertainment and buildings are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Ride rain or shine

The Pelotonia Ride Weekend will happen rain or shine and riders should be prepared for severe weather. If delays or cancellations occur, staff will alert the riders as soon as possible, according to a Facebook post from Pelotonia.

Attendees of all outdoor weekend events may want to monitor the forecast and come prepared with rain gear.