Columbus rolled into Wednesday under a gray blanket of clouds, with temperatures hanging near 39°F at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Skies should brighten to mostly sunny by later in the day and temperatures will climb toward a high near 48°F. The catch is the wind, which will keep things feeling cooler, with west gusts topping out around 25 to 30 mph, especially on bridges and open stretches of road. Overnight, readings fall back into the mid-20s, setting up a brisk start to Thursday.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The National Weather Service in Wilmington is calling for west winds of 10 to 16 mph this afternoon, with gusts up to about 29 mph. Those bursts can kick up quick crosswinds and send unsecured items scooting across patios and driveways, so it is a good time to pull in lightweight furniture, trash bins, and tarps. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be ready for sudden gusts on open roads and overpasses.
Tonight And Thursday
Tonight looks partly cloudy with a low near 26°F and lighter north winds, giving the city a calmer but colder feel. Thursday should stay mostly sunny, although cooler, with a high near 43°F. A weak system slipping through late tonight into Thursday morning may squeeze out a few light showers or a quick rain-and-snow mix. Most spots will see only light precipitation with little to no accumulation, and any measurable snow is more likely south of I-70. For more on the overall setup, check out our blustery blast breakdown from yesterday.
Weekend And Early Next Week
Friday and Saturday bring a nicer stretch, with highs reaching into the mid-50s and plenty of sunshine to go around. Late Saturday night into Sunday and then into Monday, rain chances start to ramp up, and that rain could mix with snow Sunday night. Some forecast guidance hints at a narrow band that might drop 2 to 4 inches in a few lucky or not-so-lucky spots, although the models are still far from locked in. If you have Monday morning travel plans, keep an eye on updates through the weekend so a last-minute shift in the storm track does not catch you off guard.
What To Watch
Secure loose outdoor items and allow extra time for the afternoon commute while winds are at their strongest. Keep tabs on updates from the National Weather Service and local transit alerts, and we will pass along any major changes if that late-week snow potential starts to firm up.
