Columbus, OH – Calm skies and cool air greet central Ohio early this morning, but a change is coming fast. The soft sunrise over the Scioto River belies what’s building to the west — a cold front expected to bring gusty winds, showers, and the season’s first sharp temperature drop heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, clouds will thicken across Columbus by late Thursday as moisture surges ahead of an approaching front. Winds will increase from the southwest, with gusts up to 30 mph possible Friday afternoon. Showers and isolated rumbles of thunder are likely after midday, tapering into steady evening rain. Though rainfall amounts stay modest, the wet pavement and falling leaves could make travel slick across I-70 and Route 33 during the evening commute.
Thursday remains pleasant and sunny with highs in the mid-50s — a brief pause before the front’s arrival. Behind the system, temperatures tumble into the 40s on Saturday, delivering that crisp, clean November feel that hints at winter’s doorstep. Sunshine returns for part of the weekend before another chance of rain late Sunday into Monday.
Forecasters are also watching a stronger Arctic front forming over the Plains. If current trends hold, much colder air could reach Ohio by Veterans Day next week, possibly introducing the state’s first frost or even a few flurries north of I-70. For now, it’s a two-day stretch of calm before November’s next fall-to-winter shuffle.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH:
Wed: 67/36 – Increasing clouds; breezy later.
Thu: 56/41 – Sunny early; clouds building late.
Fri: 62/44 – Rain developing; gusts near 30 mph.
Sat: 59/41 – Partly sunny; cooler breeze.
Sun: 51/29 – Cloudy; chance of light rain.
