Ohio drivers start the morning surrounded by glowing headlights and sudden walls of fog.
Visibility drops to a quarter mile or less in spots, creating dangerous travel conditions across central and west-central Ohio. A Weather Alert remains in effect through the morning hours.
Dense fog blankets Columbus, Wilmington, and surrounding communities early today. Moist air sits near the surface while temperatures hover near freezing. That combination limits visibility and increases the risk of sudden slowdowns. Drivers on I-70, I-71, I-75, and U.S. Route 35 should expect rapidly changing conditions.
Travel improves later this morning as fog lifts and temperatures rise into the 50s. For now, patience is key. Use low-beam headlights and increase following distance until visibility improves.
Conditions change again by Friday. A strong system approaches, bringing showers and increasing winds. Gusts may reach near 40 mph at times, especially from late morning into the afternoon. High-profile vehicles could struggle, and unsecured items may blow around. Rain becomes more widespread as the day continues.
Friday night stays unsettled, with lingering rain and breezy conditions. Roads remain slick, and visibility may dip during heavier showers. By Saturday, rain continues at times, though temperatures remain mild, reaching the mid-50s.
Saturday night marks another transition. Colder air pushes in as precipitation tapers. A brief rain-to-snow mix becomes possible late, especially in northern and outlying areas. Accumulation looks limited, but timing matters for travel.
Sunday turns colder and quieter. Highs struggle into the mid-30s, and any leftover moisture may freeze after sunset. Black ice becomes a concern on bridges, ramps, and untreated roads.
Looking ahead, next week starts dry and seasonable. Sunshine returns Monday, though mornings feel brisk. Daylight continues to increase by late January across Ohio, adding welcome evening light.
Act now: slow down in fog this morning, secure loose items before winds arrive Friday, and watch for icy spots late weekend.
Five-Day Outlook (Columbus, OH)
- Today: Dense fog early, then mostly cloudy, high near 56°F
- Friday: Showers and strong winds, high near 65°F
- Saturday: Rain likely, high near 55°F
- Sunday: Chance of rain or snow early, colder, high near 34°F
- Monday: Partly sunny and cold, high near 37°F
