Columbus woke up Thursday, April 30, 2026, to a classic spring fake-out: cool, partly cloudy skies, a northwest breeze, and temperatures sitting in the mid-40s, right around 45°F. Afternoons will still climb into the upper 50s today, but several chilly nights are lining up, and a couple of early mornings could feature patchy frost in low-lying spots. Rain chances stay on the light side today, then pick up on Friday and again early next week, so outdoor plans may need a backup option.
Today
Expect a partly sunny day with a high near 58°F and northwest winds around 8 to 10 mph this afternoon. Late tonight into early Friday morning, there is a slight chance of light showers, with lows dropping to around 42°F. According to the National Weather Service, the immediate threat for showers stays limited, but the odds go up as we head into Friday.
Late Friday Into The Weekend
A weak low pressure system will slide through and bring scattered light rain Thursday night into Friday. Friday, May 1, 2026, looks mostly cloudy with about a 50% chance of showers and a high near 57°F. By Friday night, temperatures fall into the upper 30s, setting up a chilly start to the weekend.
Saturday night into early Sunday, May 3, 2026, some low-lying areas could slip into the mid-30s, which is cold enough for pockets of frost that can damage tender plants. Afternoons should trend sunnier, but the mornings will stay on the brisk side through the weekend.
Gardening And Local Impacts
Gardeners who jumped the gun on spring will want to take a few precautions. Potted or newly planted vegetation should be protected before sunset on Friday and again Saturday night. Moving containers indoors or using lightweight covers can help keep plants out of trouble. The Ohio State University Extension recommends floating row covers or sheltering small plants when frost is on the table.
For commuters, mornings will feel cool and could be a bit slick in shaded or low-lying spots, although no widespread travel issues are anticipated.
Looking Ahead
Temperatures start to moderate early next week, but the weather pattern turns more unsettled. Monday, May 4, 2026, could reach into the low 70s, with showers and thunderstorms likely, and additional storm chances continue into Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Anyone with outdoor plans early next week will want to keep an eye on local forecasts and alerts.
