Columbus, OH – As Ohio moves into Black Friday weekend, weather officials are urging Columbus-area homeowners to complete winter preparations before another stretch of freezing nighttime temperatures reaches Franklin County and surrounding regions.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), La Niña conditions may bring more irregular temperature swings across Ohio this season. These fluctuations—jumping from mild daytime highs to sudden overnight freezes—can elevate the risk of burst pipes, ice buildup, and heating system strain across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and other metro areas. Forecasts show parts of central Ohio dropping into the mid-to-upper 20s late Friday into early Saturday.
Home maintenance experts say the top priority this week is insulating exposed pipes, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and garages found throughout Ohio’s mixed-age housing stock. Clearing gutters and downspouts is also essential to prevent early-season ice dams, which often occur when meltwater refreezes during overnight cold snaps.
Energy specialists recommend residents seal drafty windows and doors, verify attic insulation levels, and perform furnace checks before the colder December pattern sets in. Fire officials further stress the importance of testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, noting that heating-related emergencies typically increase statewide following Thanksgiving.
Emergency management officials encourage residents to check on older adults, neighbors, or anyone who may need assistance preparing their homes before temperatures fall through the holiday weekend.
