Columbus

Columbus Gets A Spring Tease Before Breezy Weekend Warmup Crashes In

AI Assisted Icon
Published on March 19, 2026
Columbus Gets A Spring Tease Before Breezy Weekend Warmup Crashes InSource: Mark Sundstrom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Thursday, March 19, 2026, Columbus woke to partly cloudy skies and about 37°F at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. A brief, slight chance of rain between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. will give way to partly sunny skies and a high near 59°F. Light southwest winds around 5 mph will keep conditions on the mild side, so most outdoor plans are good to go.

Afternoon Commute

The afternoon commute should be mostly dry, with only isolated, quick showers possible in the mid-morning window. Temperatures will climb into the upper 50s, setting up comfortable conditions for after-school runs, dog walks and evening errands. Road crews and transit services are not expecting major impacts, though briefly damp pavement during a passing shower could slow traffic for a bit.

Friday Into The Weekend

Friday, March 20, 2026 will bring a more noticeable warmup, with a high near 67°F as southerly winds pick up to 5 to 14 mph and gusts up to 25 to 30 mph are possible. A cold front arriving late Friday could spark a few afternoon and evening showers or isolated thunderstorms, with the best chance for measurable rain south and east of the metro. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Wilmington note that gusty conditions are possible ahead of the front, while most guidance keeps the severe threat limited.

Sunday Warmup And Late Front

Sunday, March 22, 2026 looks notably warm, with highs near 77°F, before a stronger cold front sweeps through late in the day into Sunday night. That front will bring a better chance of showers and thunderstorms and send temperatures tumbling into the 30s by Monday morning. If you have outdoor events planned for Sunday evening, keep a solid plan B in your back pocket as the front approaches.

What To Pack And Watch For

For weekend plans, bring a light layer and a small umbrella for brief showers, and expect breezy periods Friday and Sunday with gusts near 30 to 35 mph. Secure lightweight outdoor items so they do not go flying down the block, and use extra caution if you are driving high-profile vehicles during the gustier stretches. Local forecasts will be updated if any watches or warnings are issued.