Ohio — Wind rattles bare branches across central Ohio as light snow streaks sideways through the early daylight. Pavement looks wet, but the cold tells a sharper story. This MLK Day begins with an Arctic punch that drivers and pedestrians will feel immediately.
A Cold Weather Advisory is now in effect across central and west-central Ohio through Tuesday morning. In Columbus, temperatures sit in the low 20s, but wind chills dip near 10 below zero at times. Gusts over 20 mph make brief snow showers feel harsher and visibility can drop quickly.
Snow amounts remain light, generally under an inch. Still, impacts matter. I-70, I-71, and surface streets may turn slick as snow melts, then refreezes. Flash freezing is the biggest concern today, especially on bridges, ramps, and shaded roads. Allow extra travel time and reduce speed through the morning and afternoon.
Cold deepens tonight. Lows fall into the single digits with wind chills as low as 15 below zero. Frostbite can develop quickly with prolonged exposure. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and bring pets indoors. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Tuesday stays cold but brighter. Sunshine helps, yet highs only reach the low 20s. By Wednesday, a gradual shift begins. Temperatures rebound toward the upper 30s with a chance for snow changing to rain during the afternoon. That transition could create another round of slick spots after sunset.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook keeps below-normal temperatures locked across the Midwest. Precipitation chances rise later this week into the Mid-Atlantic, while the Southwest turns unusually warm.
Plan ahead today. Winter conditions can change fast. How are road conditions where you’re driving this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Columbus, OH
- Today (MLK Day): Chance of snow, windy, high near 22.
- Tonight: Increasing clouds, very cold, low near 7.
- Tuesday: Sunny and frigid, high near 21.
- Wednesday: Chance of snow then rain, high near 39.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 30.
