The dog days of summer in Ohio are here, but with scorching temps, triple-digit heat advisories and precipitation in the forecast, it’s hard to predict if we can enjoy them.
How’s the Ohio weekend weather forecast looking? How hot will it get? Will it rain? Here’s what to know, including a look at live radar and how to stay safe when the temperatures start climbing.
Weekend weather forecast for Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Columbus
It will be quite a sunny and warm weekend for much of Ohio. Here’s a look at the NWS extended weather forecast for Akron, Cincinnati and Columbus as of July 25:
Akron-Canton
Saturday, July 26: Akron is expected to be rainy on Saturday, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures could reach a high of 88 and a low of 72. The evening will be mostly cloudy, with a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms.
Sunday, July 27: Akron’s weekend may end with calmer skies. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures will be a high of 88 and a low of 70. By nighttime, it will be partly cloudy with no precipitation expected.
Cincinnati
Saturday, July 26: Saturday will be sunny but with a 70% chance of precipitation after 11 a.m. Temperatures could reach a high of 93 and a low of 75. The evening will be partly cloudy, with a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms.
Sunday, July 27: Sunday in Cincinnati will be mostly sunny with calm winds. There’s a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Temperatures will be a high of 92 and a low of 75. Skies will be partly cloudy by the evening, with a 60% chance of precipitation.
Columbus
Saturday, July 26: Have plans in Columbus on Saturday? Remember to bring an umbrella, as there’s an 80% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Temperatures could reach a high of 91 and a low of 71. Rain will continue through the evening, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Sunday, July 27: Columbus may spend the entire Sunday under dreary skies, with an 80% chance of precipitation. Temperatures will be a high of 90 and a low of 74. Rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue overnight.
Akron-Canton, Cleveland live radar
Looking to see where precipitation will land next? Here is the NWS live radar for Northeast Ohio, including Akron, Canton and Cleveland:
Cincinnati, Columbus, Northern Kentucky live radar
Here is the NWS live radar for Cincinnati, Columbus, Northern Kentucky and other parts of Central and Southwest Ohio:
How to stay safe in the heat
Ohio’s weekend weather could bring rain and temperatures in the 90s that feel even warmer. Here are some tips on how to stay safe in the heat:
Drink cool fluids: Help your body cool down by staying well-hydrated with water. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water. Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside, and more on hot and humid days. Avoid alcohol or caffeine; they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illness.
Monitor or limit outdoor activities: Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or evening, when the sun is less direct and temperatures are generally cooler. Wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat, and use sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. Take frequent breaks in the shade or the air conditioning, and monitor youngsters playing outside.
Check on your neighbors, family: Check on older neighbors, friends, and family, as well as those with chronic medical conditions, at least twice a day. Encourage them to stay in the air conditioning and to look for an air-conditioned shelter if necessary. Recommend that they take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Don’t forget your pets: Outdoor animals should have plenty of fresh water and a shady area to cool down. Also, never leave pets in vehicles. Even if the windows are cracked, the temperature inside can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
If you don’t have an air conditioner, then consider cooling centers as a way to beat the heat.
To find a cooling center near you, the National Center for Healthy Housing recommends calling your local 2-1-1 for information.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio weather: See forecast, Cincinnati, Columbus temps, rain, live radar