Columbus started Saturday, March 14 under clear skies with temperatures in the low 30s, but the calm is not sticking around. A sharp pattern swing will send readings soaring on Sunday before a strong cold front barges through with rain, gusty winds and a brief shot at thunderstorms late Sunday night into Monday. Behind that front, much colder air slams in on Monday, with lows expected to crash into the teens by Monday night. Locally, the main issues look to be those strong winds and a rapid temperature drop that could turn parts of Monday’s morning commute into a slippery surprise.
Afternoon And Sunday Warm-Up
On Sunday, March 15, a pronounced warm sector settles in over central Ohio, and it will feel more like April than mid-March. Afternoon highs are forecast to top out near 72°F across the Columbus area as winds swing around to the southeast and then south. That unusually mild air will help prime the atmosphere for showers and stronger storms as a low pressure system tracks in from the west. According to the National Weather Service, Sunday’s gusty southerly flow is a key ingredient in that setup.
Late Sunday Night Storm Threat
Showers are expected to fire up late Sunday night, with rain becoming more widespread after about 2 a.m. Monday, March 16. Forecasters say there is still some uncertainty in both the exact timing and how unstable the atmosphere gets, but a narrow line of more intense convection is on the table. A few embedded strong to severe storms, with the primary concern being damaging winds, cannot be ruled out. Most spots look to pick up roughly a quarter to a half inch of new rainfall, and residents are urged to keep an eye on any overnight watches or alerts.
Monday Chill And Snow Chance
Behind the front, strong cold air pours into the region on Monday, March 16. After Sunday’s near-70 warmth, Monday’s daytime high will struggle in the upper 40s before temperatures take a nosedive. By Monday night, lows are forecast to drop into the upper teens. Any lingering precipitation Monday afternoon could briefly flip to light snow, with only minor accumulations expected and mainly on elevated and grassy surfaces. For more on how this pattern evolved, see our earlier coverage on how a balmy Saturday sets stage for severe storms.
Commute And Safety
Before the wind kicks up, secure outdoor items and yard furniture on Sunday; those gusts will be more than enough to send trash bins rolling and small branches down. Travelers should be ready for possible delays at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) from late Sunday night into Monday morning. On the roads, plan a little extra time Monday, as rapidly falling temperatures may create slick spots where earlier rain switches to snow or freezes on contact. Keep phones and devices charged, turn on local weather alerts, and check official updates if you have evening or overnight plans from Sunday into early Monday.
