Columbus, OH – The calm before the storm won’t last long across central Ohio. Snow systems are lining up, and temperatures will plunge into the single digits by the end of the weekend. Roads could turn slick by Thursday night, and Friday morning’s commute may prove treacherous for early travelers.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington reports that accumulating snow is expected to begin Thursday night, continuing through early Friday. Between 1 to 3 inches of snow may fall across the Columbus metro area, with wind gusts up to 40 mph reducing visibility and producing patchy blowing snow on open stretches of I-70 and I-71.
After a brief lull, another system follows on Saturday, bringing a second wave of snow that could add an inch or two in spots. Behind that system, Arctic air sweeps in fast, dropping weekend lows into the teens and single digits, with wind chills near or below zero by Sunday morning.
Residents should prepare now for icy roads, refreezing slush, and bitter wind chills through Monday. Experts urge checking heating systems, keeping emergency kits in vehicles, and watching for black ice late at night and early morning. Meteorologists say this may mark the coldest stretch of December so far, part of a larger cold wave gripping the Midwest and Ohio Valley through December 17.
Five-Day Outlook for Columbus, OH
- Thursday: Snow showers, high 31°F, low 24°F, breezy.
- Friday: Snow likely, high 34°F, low 19°F, 1–3” possible.
- Saturday: Cloudy, chance of snow, high 27°F, low 10°F.
- Sunday: Bitter cold, high 22°F, lows in the single digits.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 27°F, very cold start.
