Ohio wakes to a cold, unsettled sky as low clouds drift over Columbus and pavement glistens from earlier rain. The air feels crisp and unsettled—an early Winter Tease that hints at the developing system expected to strengthen by Monday night into Tuesday, potentially affecting December travel across central Ohio.
Winds push from the southwest this morning, gusting 30–40 mph at times, rustling holiday decorations and shaking bare tree limbs along I-70 and I-71. According to the National Weather Service, these winds ease through the afternoon, but a colder push arrives Monday. By late Monday night, light snow develops across Columbus as deeper moisture spreads north from the Ohio River Valley.
This system carries the first travel-impacting snow chance of the week. Most guidance points to a 1–3″ accumulation window from midnight until about noon Tuesday, with the steadiest snow most likely between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. The Tuesday morning commute could slow sharply—especially on the Outerbelt, High Street corridors, and stretches of I-270 where wet surfaces may freeze as air temperatures dip below freezing.
To be fair, models disagree on exact placement of heavier bands, but the signal for a Tuesday slowdown is strong. Even a modest snow burst can create quick reductions in visibility and produce early pockets of black ice at ramps, bridges, and elevated lanes.
By Tuesday afternoon, lingering flurries taper, and colder air settles across central Ohio. Roads that thaw briefly may flash freeze again by evening, especially in shaded neighborhoods and rural routes west of the city.
Wednesday offers calmer weather with some sun returning, but another weak disturbance approaches late week as December’s winter pattern deepens.
Five-Day Outlook
Today: Cloudy; spotty rain/snow early. High 40.
Monday: Mostly cloudy; high 38.
Tuesday: Snow 1–3″; high 34.
Wednesday: Partly sunny; high 35.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy; high 32.
