Columbus, Ohio – Central Ohio will swing from crisp, clear skies and possible aurora sightings tonight to near 90°F heat and a midweek thunderstorm threat by Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service, Columbus will see clear and calm conditions tonight, with lows around 48°F and a high chance of visibility for the northern lights. Skies remain clear enough that residents from Dublin to Grove City may glimpse the aurora overnight, especially in darker, rural areas north of I-270.
Warmer air builds steadily through Tuesday, with Wednesday reaching a high near 90°F — the hottest so far this season. By Wednesday night, thunderstorms may develop after 8 p.m. and continue into early Thursday morning. There’s a 30% chance of storms Wednesday night, increasing to 70% by Thursday. Gusty winds, brief heavy rain, and isolated lightning are possible.
Those commuting Wednesday evening or planning outdoor events should monitor conditions and prepare to move indoors quickly if storms develop.
Here’s the five-day outlook for Columbus:
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low near 48°F. Northern lights possible after 11 p.m.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high of 79°F. Light southwest breeze.
- Tuesday: Sunny and warm, high near 87°F. Calm winds in the morning.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 90°F. Storms possible after 8 p.m.
- Thursday: Showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms. High near 86°F.
