Weather
Central Ohio Weather Alert: Near-Freezing Weekend Nov 12-16
Columbus, OH – Rain slicked highways, gusty winds and temperatures falling toward freezing are setting up a sharp November weather change across central Ohio.
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-11-12T09:18:33.662Z
Columbus, OH – Rain slicked highways, gusty winds and temperatures falling toward freezing are setting up a sharp November weather change across central Ohio.
Columbus faces a 90% chance of rain Thursday night before temperatures tumble toward 31 degrees Friday night, bringing the first of several near freezing mornings.
According to the National Weather Service, rain will remain likely Thursday, mainly before 3 p.m., with temperatures reaching 53 degrees.
The developing weather pattern will bring a noticeable shift from damp, relatively mild conditions to colder, drier November weather.
Thursday Friday: Rain and Gusty Winds Move Through Thursday brings a 60% chance of rain, with north winds increasing to 11 to 14 mph.
Wind gusts could reach 28 mph, creating a brisk feel across Columbus and surrounding Franklin County communities.
Rainfall amounts between one tenth and one quarter inch are possible during the day.
The rain threat increases Thursday night, when precipitation chances climb to 90%.
Additional rainfall between one tenth and one quarter inch is expected before rain gradually ends, mainly before 1 a.m. Friday.
Temperatures fall toward 38 degrees Thursday night.
Drivers using Interstate 70, Interstate 71 and Interstate 270 should prepare for wet pavement and reduced visibility during heavier showers.
Friday brings mostly cloudy skies and a high near 44 degrees, a noticeable drop from Thursday's 53 degree high.
North winds of 9 to 11 mph will maintain the colder feel.
Saturday Sunday: Temperatures Approach Freezing The biggest change arrives Friday night as temperatures fall toward 31 degrees.
That places Columbus just below the freezing mark, raising concerns for sensitive plants and exposed outdoor plumbing.
Saturday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 45 degrees before temperatures settle around 32 degrees Saturday night.
Sunday offers mostly sunny conditions and a high near 47 degrees.
However, another chilly night follows, with temperatures again dropping toward 31 degrees.
Residents should watch for isolated frost or freezing conditions, particularly in colder neighborhoods and outlying communities.
While freezing temperatures can create icy patches when moisture remains on roadways, widespread flash freezing conditions are not specifically predicted.
Winter Weather Pattern Expands Across the East The NOAA Weather Prediction Center expects polar air to spread across much of the eastern United States behind a strengthening storm system.
Snow is possible farther north, particularly across higher elevations of New York and northern New England.
Columbus, however, is expected to remain snow free through the five day period.
As Thanksgiving approaches, residents should continue monitoring changing weather patterns and prepare for additional cold weather conditions.
Columbus Five Day Weather Outlook: Nov. 12 16 Thursday, Nov. 12: Rain likely, high 53°F. Rain chance 60%, increasing to 90% Thursday night. Low 38°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Mostly cloudy and cooler. High 44°F. Low 31°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Mostly sunny, high 45°F. Low 32°F. Sunday, Nov. 15: Mostly sunny, high 47°F. Low 31°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Mostly sunny, high 49°F. Low 30°F. Extended outlook: Tuesday brings sunshine and a high near 50 degrees, followed by a low around 29. Wednesday could reach 54 degrees.
Are you ready for temperatures near freezing across central Ohio, or are you hoping the warmer November weather returns? Tell us what conditions look like in your neighborhood.