Columbus is finally getting a break from the deep chill, even if it is a slow crawl rather than a full-on sprint into spring. After an early Thursday reading of about 21°F at John Glenn (KCMH), afternoon highs are expected to creep up to around 35°F. The warmup comes on gradually, with light northwest winds keeping conditions calm today while clouds and milder air start nudging in later this weekend.
Afternoon and Tonight
Through Thursday afternoon, skies stay partly sunny, with a high near 35°F and a light northwest breeze around 5 to 7 mph. Tonight looks quiet and seasonably cold, with lows dipping back to around 21°F.
By Friday, a turn to southerly winds will help kick off a broader warmup, while most of central Ohio stays dry through at least Friday morning. The National Weather Service office in Wilmington has the full technical breakdown for those who like their forecasts with extra detail.
Weekend Rain Risk
Rain starts to work its way back into the picture late Saturday into Sunday as a low-pressure system slides through the Ohio Valley. Forecasters are calling for about a 30 to 40 percent chance of light rain on Sunday, with mostly light totals expected across Franklin County.
The heaviest rain is projected to stay south of Columbus, where parts of northern Kentucky and southern Ohio could approach or top a half-inch. Around Columbus, light showers are more likely, along with cloudier skies and some patchy wet pavement. Weekend outdoor plans are not necessarily doomed, but Sunday activities may come with a side of drizzle, so plan for damp conditions.
Next Week Warmup
Early next week is when central Ohio finally feels a real shift. Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 50s on Tuesday and could reach near 60°F by Wednesday as warmer air moves into the region. That mild stretch follows an 18-day run of highs at or below freezing earlier this month, a brutal streak we previously covered in that 18-day cold stretch.
With the quick flip from shovels to umbrellas, it might be time to keep the heavy coat handy in the mornings and lighter layers ready for those milder midweek afternoons.
Commute and Outdoor Tips
Thursday’s commute should run mostly as usual, with dry roads for many and decent visibility. Looking ahead, if light rain develops Saturday night into Sunday, drivers should be ready for wet roads and occasional visibility reductions.
If you have weekend outdoor plans, consider front-loading them earlier on Saturday or gearing up for soggy conditions by Sunday. For now, there are no watches or warnings in effect for Franklin County, but it is still wise to check updated forecasts before heading out and keep an eye on any advisories from local authorities as the weekend system approaches.
