Columbus is waking up under clear skies and crisp air this Saturday, with temperatures starting in the low 40s and a sunny high near 55°F expected this afternoon. A light northwest breeze around 5 to 6 mph should keep things comfortable for errands, kids’ games, or a stroll through the neighborhood.
Late-Night Rain And A Chance Of Snow
A weak system will slide across central Ohio late tonight into early Sunday, bringing a chance of light rain between about 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., then a mix of rain and snow as temperatures dip into the low 30s. Precipitation totals are expected to stay very light, under a tenth of an inch for most spots, and only spotty, slushy accumulations are possible. That is all according to the latest National Weather Service forecast and discussion.
Sunday Commute Could Be Brisk
Sunday will feel like a different season, with a high near 39°F and north winds around 10 mph, gusting up to about 21 mph. The combination of colder air and lingering moisture can leave slick patches on bridges, overpasses, and untreated pavement early in the day.
Forecasters have trimmed the higher end of possible snowfall for Monday morning and nudged the heavier band farther south compared with earlier expectations, as outlined in the Feb. 22 coverage in this sneaky Sunday snow outlook. Drivers should build in a little extra time and treat exposed surfaces as potentially slippery early Sunday.
Midweek Warm-Up And Rain
A more noticeable pattern change arrives Tuesday, when southerly winds start pulling in milder air and several rounds of rain. Highs climb into the 50s Tuesday, then into the upper 60s by Thursday and close to 70°F by Friday. Some of those rain episodes could feature heavier downpours and a few isolated strong storms, so it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans later in the week.
For today, expect a dry, sunny drive and good road conditions. The main window for slick spots is Sunday morning, with a lingering risk into early Monday. If you are out during those times, check road conditions, slow down, and give road crews plenty of space to work.
