Ohio – Gusty winds whip through Columbus this morning as clouds thicken ahead of a changing weekend pattern. The first December chill is on its way, and meteorologists say a mix of rain and snow could move across central and southwest Ohio by late Saturday, marking the region’s first significant taste of winter weather this season.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, conditions will stay calm through Friday with highs near 35°F and partly sunny skies. But by Saturday evening, moisture from a developing system will meet cold air pushing in from the northwest. Forecasters expect a rain-snow mix to develop by nightfall, with light snow accumulation possible before dawn Sunday.
Travelers heading home after the holiday should stay alert. Roads may turn slick, especially on bridges and rural routes stretching along I-70, I-71, and U.S. 33. The mix transitions mostly to rain Sunday, though temperatures remain chilly — highs only near 41°F.
The early-week outlook keeps things unsettled. Monday and Tuesday bring another chance for light snow or flurries, as temperatures drop back toward the mid-20s at night. NOAA’s extended outlook through Dec. 6 shows a clear trend toward below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation across much of the Ohio Valley — a strong sign that winter is setting in early.
5-Day Outlook (Columbus, OH)
- Friday: Partly sunny, high 35°F.
- Saturday: Chance of snow, high 36°F.
- Sunday: Rain likely, high 41°F.
- Monday: Cloudy, high 33°F.
- Tuesday: Chance of snow, high 34°F.
