Columbus woke to a brisk, mostly clear Thursday morning with temperatures around 36°F at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (KCMH), but the calm is on borrowed time. Today's high should reach about 46°F with northwest breezes that strengthen later. A stronger system moves in late tonight and cranks up southwest winds across central Ohio on Friday, setting up a fast warm-up followed by a rude return to winter.
Afternoon Calm, Friday Winds Ramp Up
Skies will be mostly sunny today with a high near 46°F, but winds pick up overnight as a vigorous low-pressure system approaches. A Wind Advisory is in effect Friday, from 7 AM to 8 PM EDT. Expect southwest winds of 14 to 25 mph with gusts up to around 50 mph, and gusts as high as 60 mph possible north of I-70, where a High Wind Watch covers parts of the area, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
How The Wind Could Affect Your Day
Gusts in the 40 to 60 mph range can move unsecured yard furniture, snap smaller limbs, and cause brief power outages, so it is a good idea to bring in lighter patio items and tie down anything that could blow away. Expect spotty travel delays on Friday morning and evening. High-profile vehicles and commuters on exposed bridges should use extra caution. If you rely on local transit or flights, check with carriers for any wind-related delays before heading out.
Weekend Swing: Warm Sunday Then A Sharp Cold
Temperatures rebound to near 71°F on Sunday, March 15, ahead of another system. Showers and a chance of thunderstorms arrive Sunday night, with rain likely early Monday, March 16, 2026. Behind the front temperatures tumble, with Monday night lows forecast near 19°F, meaning wet roads could briefly change to snow or slushy mixes in spots Monday morning. Plan outdoor projects for today or Saturday, and be ready for a raw, wintry start to next week.
More And Where We’re Watching
We updated this forecast following our March 11 coverage. For the earlier setup and impacts, see the initial timeline and previous impacts. We will monitor advisories and post updates if warnings change. If gusts reach the higher end of forecasts, expect utility crews to be busy and short-term outages to be possible.
