Rain and gusty winds from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias are forecast to reach the Cincinnati area Saturday evening, Oct. 10, and persist through Sunday, Oct. 11.

Hyde Park, Oakley and Mount Lookout residents planning outdoor activities or a trip downtown for BLINK's final night should prepare for a soggy Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a forecast discussion Thursday evening calling for wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph during Saturday's daytime hours, increasing to 25 to 35 mph Saturday evening into early Sunday morning. Rain should hold off through most of Saturday but could begin near the Ohio River by early evening. Showers become more scattered on Sunday, with coverage favoring southern Ohio and northern Kentucky.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported gusts could reach 40 mph at the upper end. Saturday night has a 90% chance of precipitation, with a quarter to half an inch of rain possible. Sunday's odds stay at 90%, and the high drops from near 79 on Saturday to about 69 on Sunday.

Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, strengthening from tropical storm to hurricane in less than 20 hours, the Columbus Dispatch reported. It is the ninth named storm of the season. Cincinnati is not in the hurricane's direct path, but the storm's remnants will funnel moisture and wind into the Ohio Valley as the system tracks north.

The four-night light and art festival runs Oct. 8 through Oct. 11 across more than 30 city blocks from Findlay Market to Covington. The forecast could affect BLINK’s closing night on Sunday.

WLWT meteorologist Adam Burniston put it plainly: "It will be a damp final night for BLINK."

@JohnGumm: "The weather for Blink #Cincinnati looks good every day except on Sunday when the remnants of soon-to-be Isaias 🌀 get funneled right into the Ohio Valley bringing rain and breezy to windy conditions. 🌧️🌬️"

John Gumm, chief meteorologist at WKRC-TV (Local 12), posted that assessment on X on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

BLINK organizers told the Cincinnati Enquirer they are working with safety and weather officials to determine whether operational changes will be needed. No named spokesperson was quoted. Any weather-related updates will be communicated on-site and through BLINK's social media channels and website.

Residents heading to BLINK or planning outdoor activities Sunday should bring rain gear. To sign up for public safety and traffic alerts, text BLINK2026 to 77295.

Saturday's forecast calls for partly sunny skies and a high near 79.