If you stepped outside in Columbus early Monday and felt like winter had staged a surprise comeback, the thermometer backed you up. Pockets of frost and mid-30s temperatures greeted early risers, with a Freeze Warning in place through 10 a.m. EDT. Skies are already clearing toward plenty of sun, but that frosty coating can still hang on in low spots, lawns, and around unprotected plants for a bit longer.
The National Weather Service upgraded a Freeze Watch to a Freeze Warning before daybreak Monday, warning that "frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing." According to the National Weather Service, frost should ease by midmorning, with a mostly sunny afternoon, a high near 53°F, and light north winds around 5 to 8 mph.
Some parts of the area could see one more brief freeze late Monday night into Tuesday morning, so this is the time to shuffle potted plants indoors and drain or insulate exposed hoses and faucets if you can. The initial cold snap and the quick warmup that follows were detailed in an earlier look at how a freeze hits before 80s return.
Timing And What To Watch
Frost is most likely before 9 a.m., with lows sitting in the mid-30s and afternoon highs topping out in the low 50s. Forecasters at the National Weather Service expect a much warmer Tuesday, with highs near 75°F, southerly winds gusting into the mid-20s, and a chance of showers and thunderstorms late Tuesday night into early Wednesday. Heavier storms are possible Friday into the weekend.
Protect Plants And Pipes
Cover tender plants with frost cloth or blankets, move containers indoors, and insulate outdoor faucets to reduce the risk of freeze damage. For more practical guidance on keeping blossoms and crops safe from cold snaps, see the Ohio State University Extension.
A swift turn from chilly to almost summerlike is on the way, with sunshine and temperatures near 80 by Thursday. Plan yard work and planting around the cold mornings, and keep an eye on the forecast as storm chances ramp up later in the week. We will post updates if warnings change, so check local forecasts before locking in evening plans.
