Columbus rolled into Monday, March 23, 2026, under gray skies, a stiff north wind and a whole lot of chill. Morning temperatures hovered near 35°F, but steady northerly gusts up to about 24 mph made it feel noticeably colder, especially for anyone crossing open stretches or bridges on the commute. The afternoon high should top out around 46°F, although it will feel cooler thanks to that persistent wind.
What To Expect Today
Through the afternoon, skies should range from mostly cloudy to intervals of filtered sun, while north winds keep up around 14 mph with occasional gusts near 24 mph. Tonight, temperatures are expected to slip into the upper 20s across much of the city. According to the National Weather Service Wilmington, low cloud ceilings could briefly slow operations at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and may contribute to slower than usual travel this evening.
Late-Week Warm-Up And Storms
By midweek, the pattern flips. Highs rebound to around 64°F on Wednesday, then rise into the low-to-mid 70s on Thursday as warmer, more humid air arrives ahead of an approaching cold front. Forecasts call for a chance of showers Thursday morning, with thunderstorms expected to develop Thursday evening and continue overnight into Friday as the front moves through. Forecasters note that the sharp temperature drop behind the front could help some of these storms strengthen. For recent context on a similar setup earlier this month, see a previous balmy Saturday storm setup that tracked a comparable storm threat.
Impact On Commute And Plans
Today’s brisk winds will keep it feeling colder than what the thermometer is advertising, so dress for a cooler, wind-whipped commute and consider giving yourself a little extra time for errands. If you are planning to be outside Thursday night, it is smart to have an indoor backup plan, since heavy downpours and gusty winds could briefly cut visibility and leave streets slick. Once the front pushes through, a cooler and blustery air mass moves in for Friday, with the chance that rain could transition to a rain and snow mix Friday afternoon into the evening in some areas.
Where To Get Updates
Keep an eye on the latest forecasts and timing details from the National Weather Service Wilmington, and watch for any watches or warnings as Thursday gets closer. Hoodline will also update local weather coverage if watches are issued or if significant impacts develop.
