Ohio — Car doors creak. Wind whistles across empty streets. Frost coats windshields as an Arctic blast tightens its grip across central Ohio this morning. The cold is immediate and unforgiving, turning short walks into endurance tests.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Columbus and much of central Ohio through midday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory extending into Thursday morning. Air temperatures hover near zero early today, while wind chills plunge to 15 to 20 degrees below zero. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
In Columbus, conditions remain hazardous for commuters, school travel, and anyone working outdoors. Bridges and overpasses along I-70, I-71, Route 315, and I-270 are especially prone to flash freezing, even under dry skies. Any melting during the afternoon will refreeze quickly after sunset. Drivers should slow down and allow extra stopping distance.
City officials urge residents to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors. Check on elderly neighbors and bring pets inside. Heating systems will be working overtime, and pipes remain vulnerable during the prolonged cold stretch.
Some sunshine helps today, but highs struggle into the lower teens. Tonight brings another sharp drop, with lows falling below zero again. Thursday and Friday stay cold, though winds ease slightly, offering marginal relief. Even so, temperatures remain well below seasonal norms into the weekend.
Meteorologists say this cold is part of a larger Arctic outbreak stretching from the Plains to the East Coast, reinforced by extensive ice across the Great Lakes. That frozen surface helps trap cold air in place, delaying a true warm-up.
Looking ahead, precipitation chances drop next week, but cold air lingers across the Midwest while warmer air surges into the Southeast by early February.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbus, Ohio
Today: Partly sunny, high near 13
Tonight: Mostly clear, low near −6
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 15
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 15
Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 11
