COLUMBUS, Ohio – The city wakes under calm skies and a chilly 30s start, but a weekend shift is already in motion. Central Ohio’s quiet stretch will end soon as a fast-moving system brings a touch of late-fall warmth, followed by a damp, breezy cooldown.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, sunshine will return Friday with highs climbing into the mid-50s, marking one of the last mild days before Thanksgiving week. By Saturday, clouds increase as a low-pressure system tracks through the Ohio Valley, pushing rain into the area by afternoon. The chance of rain rises to 70% Saturday night, with temperatures holding near 66°F before dropping into the low 40s by dawn Sunday.
Light to moderate showers could slow travel along I-70, Route 33, and I-71, especially late Saturday and early Sunday morning. Roads may turn slick during heavier bursts, and winds could gust near 20 mph as colder air filters in.
Sunday clears fast, leaving bright skies and a return to typical November chill. Highs will fall back into the low 50s with crisp breezes through the afternoon. The dry pattern sticks around through early next week, ideal for outdoor cleanup or early holiday shopping across Franklin and Delaware counties.
While no wintry precipitation is expected yet, long-range models show cooler air returning before Thanksgiving, hinting at a possible “winter tease” for northern Ohio before month’s end.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH:
Fri: 56/45 – Mostly sunny; mild and calm.
Sat: 66/43 – Cloudy; rain develops late.
Sun: 52/31 – Breezy; early rain, cooler afternoon.
Mon: 51/34 – Sunny; crisp, dry air.
Tue: 53/36 – Partly cloudy; seasonable chill.
