COLUMBUS, Ohio – The city wakes under a blanket of clouds this Wednesday, wind rattling loose leaves and tugging at traffic lights along Broad Street. The air feels raw and unsettled — a prelude to the colder, calmer stretch that will follow this gusty day across central Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a strong westerly breeze will sweep across the region through this afternoon, with gusts near 30 mph. Skies will stay mostly cloudy early, then gradually clear by nightfall as drier air takes hold. Temperatures will peak near 54 degrees before falling into the low 40s by Thursday morning.
Thursday marks a major shift: calmer winds, sunny skies, and much cooler air. By early Friday, lows will plunge into the mid-30s, and forecasters warn of frost and possible freeze conditions from the Scioto Valley to the I-70 corridor. Another frost is likely Saturday morning, particularly in rural areas and sheltered valleys.
Residents should protect sensitive plants, drain outdoor hoses, and cover garden vegetation before temperatures dip. Drivers heading east toward Newark or south on I-71 may encounter early-morning fog and slick spots from dew and frost.
After the chill, the weekend rebounds slightly with highs near 60 degrees under mostly sunny skies. It’s prime weather for fall cleanup, pumpkin patches, and Halloween prep. Still, long-range models hint this could be the first real cold snap of the season — a signal that winter air isn’t far behind.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH:
Wed: 54/41 – Cloudy and breezy; gusts up to 30 mph.
Thu: 56/35 – Mostly sunny; winds easing.
Fri: 58/36 – Frost early; bright and cool.
Sat: 59/40 – Sunny; patchy frost possible early.
Sun: 62/43 – Partly sunny; mild and pleasant.
