Mostly cloudy skies and about 52F greeted travelers at John Glenn International Airport (KCMH) this morning as Columbus heads into a blustery afternoon and a sharp weekend cool-down. A strong cold front has pushed through the region, kicking up southwest winds and nudging temperatures into the mid-50s early before they fall into the low-40s by late afternoon. Gusts are expected to spike to 40-45 mph, and the National Weather Service is flagging possible issues for unsecured outdoor items.
Afternoon Winds Crank Up
Southwest winds are set to ramp up to 12-22 mph, with the strongest gusts hitting from late morning into the afternoon. Those gusts can shove around unsecured objects and make driving tricky for high-profile vehicles on central Ohio interstates, so it is a good time to lock down patio furniture and trash cans. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for parts of central Ohio through 6 p.m. today, according to NWS Wilmington.
Weekend Cools Down With Snow in the Mix
Saturday brings mostly sunny skies but a cooler feel, with a high near 45F and lighter west winds. A slight chance of light snow arrives late Saturday night, but the main window for measurable snow is Sunday. Forecasters are calling for a 60% chance of light snow with around one inch of new accumulation possible in colder spots. Monday stays brisk, with highs in the low- to mid-30s and only scattered, light snow showers around. Earlier details on the evolving system appeared in our morning fog and fierce storms setup.
How To Prepare
Now is the time to secure anything that can blow around, and either bring in patio furniture or tie down trash and recycling bins before the afternoon gusts really ramp up. Drivers should pad their Friday afternoon commute times, stay alert for crosswinds on bridges and open stretches of highway, and be ready for temperatures to slide through the day. If you are using transit or flying, check for service updates before you leave, and keep your phones enabled for emergency alerts in case advisories are upgraded.
