Columbus

Columbus Gets Soaked As Chilly North Winds Whip The Commute

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Published on April 29, 2026
Columbus Gets Soaked As Chilly North Winds Whip The CommuteSource: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Light rain is sliding across Columbus this Wednesday morning, putting a damp chill in the air with temperatures near 54°F at John Glenn Columbus International Airport and pockets of reduced visibility. Showers and a few scattered thunderstorms will keep popping up on and off through the morning into early afternoon, with the best shot at rain before about 3 p.m. and a daytime high near 61°F. As the day wears on, a strengthening north wind will make the late-afternoon commute feel cooler and noticeably breezy.

When The Rain Will Hit

Most of the wet weather is lined up for this morning into the early afternoon, with a few localized heavier downpours in the mix and new rainfall totals generally between one quarter and one half inch. Any heavier bursts could briefly knock down visibility and leave roads slick, so plan on extra stopping distance, according to the National Weather Service.

Afternoon Winds And The Commute

By later today, winds will swing around from the north and increase to around 5 to 13 mph, with gusts over 20 knots (about 23 mph) becoming more common as the surface low slides off to the east. Those gusts, paired with wet pavement, could slow the evening drive and may knock down a few small branches in more exposed spots. Pilots should be ready for occasional MVFR/IFR ceilings, according to the NWS Wilmington forecast discussion.

What Follows The Front

Drier, cooler air moves in Thursday and sticks around through the weekend, with afternoon highs mostly topping out in the mid to upper 50s. The chilliest readings are expected Friday and Saturday, when frost is possible overnight in low-lying spots. The next shot at showers looks to return on Monday.

Quick Tips

Grab a rain jacket for any outdoor plans, tie down or bring in loose patio items before the afternoon breeze picks up, and take it easy behind the wheel on wet roads. For the latest timing or changes to tonight’s conditions, keep an eye on local alerts and the National Weather Service forecast discussion.