Columbus

Columbus Starts In The 50s, Aims For 90s As Weekend Heat Creeps In

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Published on July 23, 2026
Columbus Starts In The 50s, Aims For 90s As Weekend Heat Creeps InSource: Kevin Payravi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Columbus woke up reaching for light jackets today, with a cool, crystal-clear morning in the mid-50s and a gentle northerly breeze. It will not stay jacket weather for long, though, with a bright, comfortable day on tap, mild overnight lows, and a slow but steady warm-up rolling in for the weekend.

Afternoon Sunshine, Barely A Breeze

Sunshine takes center stage today, with highs near 79°F and a mellow northeast wind around 1 to 6 mph. Skies stay mostly clear tonight, with temperatures dipping to around 58°F, setting up ideal conditions for evening walks, backyard hangs, or late errands.

Weekend Warm-Up And Storm Chances

By Saturday, July 25, temperatures climb into the low 80s, topping out near 84°F, then push into the upper 80s on Sunday, July 26. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. on Sunday as the heat builds. The warmest stretch arrives Monday, July 27, when highs near 91°F and shower and thunderstorm chances increase Monday night into Tuesday. These trends line up with the area forecast from the National Weather Service.

Plan Ahead For Outdoor Plans

Morning runs, dog walks, and errands should feel comfortable through tomorrow, but start thinking about shade, water, and a backup indoor plan for outdoor events from Sunday through Tuesday in case storms bubble up. Columbus Recreation and Parks opened temporary cooling centers earlier this month and keeps an updated list of air-conditioned spots available for residents.

Bottom Line

There are no watches or warnings in effect for the Columbus area right now, but forecasters recommend keeping an eye on conditions Monday night into Tuesday in case storms organize. Patchy fog in valleys and river bottoms is possible during the coolest pre-dawn hours and could briefly cut visibility for early commuters, so check the latest updates from the National Weather Service before you hit the road.