Columbus, Ohio — A rare May cold snap will settle across Ohio beginning Friday, May 8, bringing freezing overnight temperatures, gusty winds, and even light snow in some areas, creating travel and safety concerns across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Dayton.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 50–60% below normal through May 14, with the coldest air arriving Friday night into early Saturday. The most critical window is from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, when temperatures are expected to fall to or below 32 degrees across much of the state.
That cold will quickly translate into impacts. Frost is likely to form on bridges and overpasses along I-70, I-71, and I-75, creating slick spots for early morning drivers. In northern and western areas, including Toledo and Cleveland, brief snow flurries are possible, which could reduce visibility and lightly coat grassy surfaces and untreated roads.
Rain moving in Friday night will add to the hazard, leading to reduced visibility and rapid water pooling. Low-lying roads near the Scioto River in Columbus and flood-prone underpasses in Cleveland could see standing water develop within minutes during heavier showers.
Winds will increase Saturday into Sunday, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph. Those winds may bring down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages, especially in open and suburban areas.
Drivers should slow down on wet or slick roads, particularly before sunrise, and avoid water-covered roadways. Residents should cover sensitive plants and secure outdoor items ahead of the wind.
The highest risk for freezing temperatures, flurries, and hazardous travel conditions peaks early Saturday between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m.
