Ohio – Cold air grips central Ohio this morning as pale sunlight reflects off frost-covered rooftops and frozen windshields. The first Monday of 2026 begins quietly, but change is already in motion.
Temperatures started near 28 degrees across the Columbus and Wilmington area, with wind chills closer to the lower 20s. Skies turn mostly sunny today, helping temperatures climb into the upper 40s by afternoon. Even so, bridges, ramps, and shaded roads may stay slick early. Drivers should slow down, especially along I-70, I-71, and Route 33.
With many students back in school, the morning commute demands extra patience. Conditions steadily improve late morning as sunshine strengthens and pavement dries.
Tonight turns mostly cloudy, with lows near 34. Tuesday signals a pattern shift. Clouds thicken through the morning, and rain develops by afternoon. Highs reach the low 50s, while gusty southwest winds add a damp chill. Roads turn wet quickly, reducing visibility during heavier showers.
Rain tapers Tuesday night, then Wednesday stays mostly cloudy with highs near 50. To be fair, the pause is brief. Another system approaches Thursday, bringing renewed rain chances late in the day. Highs rise into the mid-50s, signaling a notable January warm-up.
By Friday, rain becomes likely again, with highs surging into the low 60s. That warmth may melt remaining snow piles, but it also raises concerns for flash freezing later if temperatures fall quickly after sunset later this week.
Winter still holds a grip on Ohio, but this week delivers dramatic swings. Plan extra travel time during cold mornings and rainy afternoons. Conditions can change fast.
How did your commute feel this morning—slick, smooth, or somewhere in between?
Five Day Outlook for Columbus, OH
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 47
- Tuesday: Rain developing, high near 52
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 50
- Thursday: Chance of rain, high near 56
- Friday: Rain likely, high near 61
