Ohio is known for its unpredictable weather, but this year has been exceptionally wet for some parts of the state. According to the National Weather Service, three Ohio cities have already received more than their average annual rainfall in just the first three months of 2024.
Dayton
Dayton is one of the cities that has been hit hard by the heavy rain. On March 5, the city broke a 70-year-old rainfall record, receiving 1.84 inches of rain in 24 hours. The previous record was 1.58 inches, set in 1954. The total rainfall for Dayton so far this year is 15.38 inches, which is more than the normal yearly amount of 14.88 inches. The excess rain has caused flooding, road closures, and power outages in the area.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is another city that has surpassed its yearly rainfall average. The city has received 16.02 inches of rain as of March 5, which is more than the normal amount of 15.88 inches. The city also set a new daily rainfall record on March 5, with 1.63 inches of rain, breaking the old record of 1.28 inches, set in 1875. The heavy rain has resulted in landslides, sewer overflows, and water rescues in the city.
Columbus
Columbus is the third city that has received more than a year’s worth of rain in 2024. The city has recorded 16.36 inches of rain as of March 5, which is more than the normal annual amount of 15.88 inches. The city also broke a daily rainfall record on March 5, with 1.22 inches of rain, surpassing the previous record of 1.06 inches, set in 1890. The rain has caused flash flooding, basement backups, and traffic disruptions in the city.
Conclusion
These three Ohio cities are not the only ones that have experienced extreme rainfall this year. Other parts of the state, such as Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo, have also received above-normal amounts of rain. The wet weather is partly due to a series of low-pressure systems that have moved across the region, bringing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The rain is expected to continue for the next few days, with more storms in the forecast. Ohioans are advised to stay alert and prepared for possible flooding and other hazards.