Weather
OH Weather Alert: 30° Freeze in Columbus, Nov 15–18
Ohio's November chill is setting up a sharp temperature turnaround, with freezing mornings approaching before a significant warmup reaches Columbus. Temperatures could fall to 30 degrees early Tuesday
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-11-15T10:14:09.050Z
Ohio's November chill is setting up a sharp temperature turnaround, with freezing mornings approaching before a significant warmup reaches Columbus. Temperatures could fall to 30 degrees early Tuesday before afternoon sunshine pushes readings toward 59 degrees Wednesday.
The changing pattern brings a 29 degree difference between Tuesday morning's low and Wednesday afternoon's high.
According to the National Weather Service, Columbus faces several chilly mornings before sunshine and warmer temperatures take control.
Freezing Temperatures Arrive Before the Warmup Sunday begins with temperatures near 42 degrees at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Northwest winds around 8 mph make conditions feel closer to 38 degrees.
Mostly cloudy skies should accompany afternoon temperatures near 48 degrees, with lighter winds developing later.
By early Monday, November 16, temperatures could fall near 33 degrees.
Monday afternoon brings mostly sunny skies and highs near 51 degrees.
However, the coldest conditions arrive early Tuesday, November 17, when temperatures could reach 30 degrees.
Residents should protect sensitive outdoor plants, disconnect garden hoses and prepare for freezing conditions.
Wednesday Brings a Noticeable November Warmup Tuesday afternoon marks the beginning of a steady temperature recovery.
Sunshine should lift temperatures toward 54 degrees, with calm winds creating more comfortable conditions.
Wednesday, November 18, brings the bigger change.
Highs could reach 59 degrees, offering a noticeably milder afternoon across Columbus and surrounding Franklin County communities.
Thursday continues the warming trend, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 62 degrees.
Friday could reach 63 degrees before temperatures climb toward 66 degrees Saturday.
Could Freezing Temperatures Affect I 70 and I 71? Drivers using I 70, I 71, I 270 and US 23 should remain alert during colder morning travel.
Freezing temperatures can create isolated slick spots when moisture remains on exposed pavement.
However, the supplied National Weather Service outlook shows no precipitation through Thursday.
That limits the potential for widespread icy roads or flash freezing conditions.
The broader Great Lakes region may experience lake effect precipitation, including rain and higher elevation snow mixtures.
However, accumulating snow is not indicated in Columbus' local forecast.
No tornado producing thunderstorms are identified locally.
Columbus' Five Day Weather Outlook Monday, November 16: Mostly sunny with a high near 51°F. Mostly clear Monday night, low around 30°F. Tuesday, November 17: Sunny and cool, high near 54°F. Mostly clear Tuesday night, low around 31°F. Wednesday, November 18: Sunny and noticeably warmer, high near 59°F. Partly cloudy Wednesday night, low around 34°F. Thursday, November 19: Mostly sunny and milder, high near 62°F. Partly cloudy Thursday night, low around 42°F. Friday, November 20: Mostly sunny with a high near 63°F. Partly cloudy Friday night, low around 42°F. Looking Ahead: November 21 and Beyond Saturday, November 21, should bring mostly sunny skies and highs near 66 degrees.
That would extend Columbus' warming trend into the weekend, with afternoon temperatures significantly milder than the week's coldest mornings.
The supplied information does not establish a specific temperature or precipitation trend for the following six to 10 days.
For now, the biggest weather concern remains the transition from freezing mornings to afternoon temperatures in the 60s.
Are you noticing frost around Columbus, or are you looking forward to another stretch of warmer November weather? Tell us what temperatures you're seeing in your neighborhood!