The chill continues to grip Central Ohio as schools shutter and communities brace for a cold snap that is making a usual Ohio winter look like a mild inconvenience. Today, with ABC6 reporting temperatures in the single digits and wind chills reaching a biting -15 degrees, local school districts decided to cancel classes to keep kids safe and warm at home. The list of closures and delays crosses multiple counties, as noted by The Columbus Dispatch, with the cold weather advisory stretching from Franklin to Licking, Union, Delaware, Madison, and further out.
Despite the frosty start, the sun made a rare winter appearance today, failing to provide much relief from the cold, as winds continue to howl out of the southwest. Looking ahead, meteorologists expect a brief interlude of "warmer air" with FOX28 forecasting a high around 38 degrees tomorrow and light snow showers that may mix with rain. WColumbus, however, should not be too quick to store away winter gear as another dose of Arctic air is en route, sending temperatures plummeting back into the teens later in the week.
The frigid forecast is causing more than just chattering teeth and layers of clothing. According to FOX28, residents are recommended to dress warmly, limit time outside, and be prepared for harsh wind chills dipping as low as -15, especially during early morning hours. As the weekend approaches, a winter storm tracking across southern states could bring accumulating snow to the southern regions of Ohio, while central areas remain in a state of uncertainty.
Evenings are looking particularly stark. ABC6 and FOX28 note that temperatures will continue to tumble, with Thursday night predicted to hover around 11 degrees. All eyes appear to be trailing towards the coming weekend as the National Weather Service identifies a high-pressure system set to battle with a developing winter storm. Consequences of this clash could spell light and fluffy snow due to the extreme cold.
