Columbus starts Friday with mostly cloudy skies and mild temperatures, but the comfortable opening will not last. Rain showers, gusty winds and a sharp afternoon cooldown are set to push central Ohio into a much colder weekend.
Rain Arrives Before Temperatures Slide
Showers are expected through about 3 p.m., with an 80% chance of rain and rainfall totals generally staying below a tenth of an inch. Southwest winds will shift west-northwest, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph with the frontal passage and through the afternoon.
The National Weather Service says temperatures could reach near 69 early Friday before falling into the upper 50s during the afternoon as a cold front crosses the area. The combination of wet pavement, falling temperatures and stiff winds could make the Friday commute feel considerably rougher by midday.
Another Round Of Wind, Then A Frosty Weekend
A second chance of rain arrives Friday night between roughly 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., with a secondary front bringing renewed gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Overnight lows will fall into the upper 30s to lower 40s, setting up a chilly start to Saturday.
Saturday will be cool, with clouds possibly lingering across central and southern Ohio through the afternoon before clearing by evening, a high near 54 and north winds gusting up to 25 mph. Clear skies and lighter winds Saturday night could send temperatures into the lower 30s in most areas, with upper 20s possible, especially in valleys, and frost likely across the Columbus area before 9 a.m. Sunday.
Sunshine Returns For The Workweek
Sunday will rebound under sunny skies with a high near 61, followed by another clear night around 38 degrees. The workweek then gradually warms, with highs near 66 Monday, 70 Tuesday and 71 Wednesday and Thursday.
