Ohio – The air feels warm and calm across Columbus this morning, but clouds building to the west signal a sharp and potentially dangerous shift by late day.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a cold front will trigger showers and thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening across central Ohio. Temperatures will surge to around 83°F, fueling instability that could quickly turn storms severe.
The main threats include wind gusts over 60 mph and large hail, with some storms capable of producing damaging impacts in a short time. Storms are expected to develop after 5 p.m. and track east across Columbus, impacting travel along I-70, I-71, and I-270 during peak evening hours.
Rain becomes more widespread into the night, with steady showers and embedded storms continuing. Roads may become slick quickly, and visibility could drop during heavier downpours.
By Monday, cooler air settles in with highs dropping to around 48°F. Winds shift north and remain breezy, reinforcing a much colder feel compared to the early spring warmth.
Monday night brings clearing skies and a sharp drop to near 30°F. Any lingering moisture could refreeze, creating patchy black ice into early Tuesday morning, especially on bridges and untreated surfaces.
Midweek conditions improve with sunshine and highs in the 50s and low 60s, followed by another warming trend into the 70s by Thursday as spring regains control.
Plan ahead for rapidly changing weather later today and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm timing if possible.
Five Day Forecast for Columbus, Ohio
Monday: High 48°F – Clearing, breezy
Tuesday: High 54°F – Mostly sunny
Wednesday: High 61°F – Mostly cloudy
Thursday: High 73°F – Chance of showers
Friday: High 47°F – Chance of rain
