Columbus is starting Sunday mostly cloudy and around 43°F, and it is about to feel more like early summer than late winter. A sharp warm-up is on the way, with afternoon highs expected to reach near 72°F as strong southerly winds kick in. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, through 8 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, with gusts forecast in the 40 to 45 mph range. Rain is likely late tonight, with the heaviest band expected between about 1 and 3 a.m. Monday, followed by a much colder Monday that brings a chance of rain and snow showers and highs only in the low 40s.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds will ramp up through the afternoon, with sustained speeds around 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching roughly 40 to 45 mph. That is enough to toss around unsecured yard furniture, send trash bins rolling down the street, and snap small limbs. The National Weather Service has a Wind Advisory in place, so if you have outdoor furniture or trash bins, secure them, and use extra caution if you are driving a high-profile vehicle. For the official advisory details, see the National Weather Service.
Late Night Rain and Possible Thunder
Showers will move in from the west late tonight, with rain likely between about 1 and 3 a.m. An embedded thunderstorm or two is possible along the strongest band. The overnight hours carry the highest chance of rain, and a narrow line of stronger storms could produce isolated damaging wind gusts. New rainfall totals are expected to land somewhere between a quarter and a half inch, enough to leave roads slick and visibility reduced for any overnight drivers.
Monday Chill and Light Snow
Once the front passes, a much colder air mass settles in on Monday. Highs will only reach near 42°F, with afternoon readings sliding toward the mid 30s. Scattered snow showers are possible Monday afternoon, with light accumulations generally under a half inch on grassy and elevated surfaces. Gusty winds will hang on into the day as well. Forecasters at the National Weather Service note that lows Monday night could drop into the teens in some spots.
Commuter Notes
Plan on giving yourself some extra time for both tonight's and Monday's commutes. Gusty winds, pockets of heavier rain, and a quick temperature drop could slow traffic and trigger scattered flight delays at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. If you have outdoor plans or gear outside, secure loose items and try to avoid travel during the peak wind and heaviest rain window late tonight.
