Ohio – Wet pavement reflects brake lights across central Ohio this morning as low clouds settle in and drizzle hangs in the air. The chill feels muted for late December, but the dampness carries its own hazards. Roads stay slick, visibility drops at times, and winter travel still demands attention.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures remain in the low 40s early with occasional light showers or drizzle. Winds stay light, but persistent cloud cover keeps conditions gray and slow-moving. While ice is not an immediate concern, moisture on roads sets the stage for later problems once colder air arrives.
Across central Ohio, including Columbus and Wilmington, a mild stretch holds through midweek. Afternoon highs climb into the 50s at times, well above normal for the first week of winter. That warmth helps ease Christmas travel, especially along I-70, I-71, and U.S. 23, where road conditions stay mostly manageable despite wet pavement.
Christmas Day brings more clouds and scattered rain, but impacts remain limited. The bigger travel focus shifts to Friday. A stronger system pushes steady rain back into the region, increasing hydroplaning risk during busy post-holiday drives. Ponding may develop on poorly drained roads during heavier bursts.
By Friday night, temperatures trend downward. While precipitation stays mostly rain, the cooling pattern bears watching. Any lingering moisture could become slick if colder air arrives faster than expected, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Looking ahead, winter is not done with Ohio. After this mild stretch, colder air returns heading into the final days of December, reopening the door to freezing temperatures and possible snow chances beyond the weekend.
Drivers should slow down on wet roads, allow extra stopping distance, and stay alert for changing conditions as the holiday travel window widens.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbus, Ohio
• Today: Cloudy with patchy drizzle. High near 53.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 45.
• Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, chance of rain. High near 52.
• Thursday Night: Cloudy with rain chances. Low near 39.
• Friday: Rain likely. High near 59.
