COLUMBUS, OH – The morning sky breaks clear and cool over the Scioto River, the kind of crisp start that makes the coming chill feel inevitable. Damp leaves shimmer under streetlights, and the still air carries a faint bite — a subtle preview of the deeper fall pattern taking hold across central Ohio this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, high pressure brings bright sunshine and calm conditions through Monday, keeping highs near 63 degrees. But changes are already brewing to the west. A developing front will sweep into Ohio on Tuesday, bringing scattered showers and gusty winds, especially along I-70 and U.S. 33 during the afternoon commute.
Rain chances linger into Tuesday night before tapering by early Wednesday, setting up a brief but brisk cooldown. Highs midweek will only reach the mid-50s with a cool northwest breeze, and skies will clear quickly Wednesday night — the perfect recipe for falling temperatures.
By Thursday morning, readings will dip into the mid-30s across rural counties west of Columbus. The National Weather Service has already flagged a frost potential for late Thursday into early Friday, especially for low-lying areas in Delaware, Madison, and Union Counties. Gardeners should plan to cover tender plants and bring potted vegetation indoors.
Heading into the weekend, sunshine returns, but the pattern stays cool and dry — ideal for fall festivals, Buckeye tailgates, and leaf cleanup before colder air locks in. Long-range models hint that Ohio’s first fall freeze could arrive before Halloween week, signaling that the early winter transition has begun.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH:
Mon: 63/47 – Sunny and mild; light west wind.
Tue: 66/43 – Increasing clouds; scattered showers by afternoon.
Wed: 55/40 – Breezy and cooler; clearing late.
Thu: 57/34 – Mostly sunny; frost possible late.
Fri: 58/38 – Clear and cool; crisp start to the weekend.
