Columbus, Ohio – A biting chill is sweeping into central Ohio Thursday morning, setting the stage for the coldest air of the season and a Freeze Warning that will end the region’s growing season by early Friday. Clear skies and calm winds will allow temperatures to plummet to near or below freezing across much of the state — a sure sign that late fall has arrived.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, sub-freezing lows between 29°F and 31°F are expected from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday. The warning extends across northeast Kentucky, central Ohio, and west-central counties including Franklin, Madison, Licking, Delaware, and Greene. Forecasters say even urban centers like Columbus may briefly dip to freezing, while outlying rural areas could hit the upper 20s.
Residents should take precautions tonight: cover tender plants, disconnect hoses, and protect exposed plumbing or sprinkler systems. Farmers across southern and central Ohio are bracing for the cold snap’s impact on remaining late crops. For motorists, early frost on windshields could cause minor delays during the Friday morning commute, especially north of I-70.
Friday will stay sunny but chilly, with highs near 58°F and light northwest winds. Patchy frost could return early Saturday before a gradual rebound into the lower 60s under bright skies. The weekend looks crisp and quiet — perfect for fall cleanup, football, and Halloween decorating.
Across the broader Midwest, this same cold dome will end the growing season from Iowa to Virginia, dropping temperatures into the 20s and sparking the first true whispers of winter across the nation’s heartland.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH:
Thu: 56/35 – Increasing clouds; breezy with a few sprinkles.
Fri: 58/34 – Freeze early; sunny and cool.
Sat: 60/40 – Mostly sunny; patchy frost early.
Sun: 59/42 – Mostly clear; cool, calm air.
Mon: 58/43 – Partly cloudy; dry through the day.
