Weather
Ohio Weather Alert: Columbus Rain Thursday, Freeze Friday, Nov 13
Ohio — Misty mornings, gusty winds and temperatures falling toward freezing will bring a noticeable November weather reversal across Columbus and central Ohio.
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-11-11T09:15:17.657Z
Ohio — Misty mornings, gusty winds and temperatures falling toward freezing will bring a noticeable November weather reversal across Columbus and central Ohio.
After temperatures reach approximately 63 degrees Wednesday, colder air will push weekend lows toward 30 degrees.
That represents a 33 degree difference, with rain and gusty northwest winds arriving before the coldest mornings.
According to the National Weather Service, the Columbus area faces a 90% chance of rain Wednesday evening, followed by additional rain chances Thursday.
The transition comes as a powerful national weather system pulls colder Canadian air into the eastern United States.
Thursday Brings Rain and Gusts Near 24 MPH Thursday, November 12, marks the beginning of the more noticeable temperature decline.
Highs reach approximately 50 degrees, about 13 degrees below Wednesday's expected high.
Rain chances reach 40%, mainly between 10 a.m. and noon.
Northwest winds increase to around 14 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 24 mph.
Drivers along Interstate 70, Interstate 71 and Interstate 270 should prepare for occasional wet pavement and gusty conditions.
Thursday night temperatures fall toward 34 degrees, with a 50% chance of rain before 1 a.m. Friday.
That combination could leave damp surfaces heading into a colder morning.
Friday Brings Temperatures Near Freezing Friday, November 13, turns noticeably colder.
High temperatures reach only 44 degrees, with a slight 20% chance of rain after 1 p.m.
Friday night temperatures fall toward 30 degrees.
Residents should prepare for freezing conditions, particularly in colder neighborhoods and outlying Franklin County communities.
Any lingering moisture could freeze on exposed surfaces as temperatures fall below 32 degrees.
Bridges, elevated roadways and untreated pavement deserve additional attention, although widespread icy conditions are not specifically predicted.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center is tracking an unusually strong push of polar air across the central and eastern United States.
Saturday Brings Sunshine but Little Warmth Saturday, November 14, offers improving weather, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 45 degrees.
However, temperatures fall back toward 30 degrees Saturday night.
That keeps freezing conditions in the picture despite the return of sunshine.
Residents finishing fall yardwork should consider protecting sensitive plants, disconnecting outdoor hoses and securing loose decorations.
Sunday brings slightly warmer afternoon temperatures, but cold mornings continue into early next week.
No accumulating snow or specific tornado threat appears in Columbus' supplied local outlook.
Five Day Columbus Weather Outlook Thursday, Nov. 12: Chance of rain, high 50°F. Precipitation chance 40%. Northwest gusts up to 24 mph. Low 34°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Partly sunny, slight chance of rain, high 44°F. Precipitation chance 20%. Low 30°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Mostly sunny, high 45°F. Low 30°F. Sunday, Nov. 15: Mostly sunny, high 48°F. Low 30°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Partly sunny, high 49°F. Low 30°F. Tuesday, November 17, brings mostly sunny skies and highs near 50 degrees.
Looking toward Thanksgiving, additional cold spells remain possible across Ohio. However, no specific Columbus snowfall event is established by the available guidance.
Are you preparing for Columbus' return to freezing temperatures, or hoping the milder November weather makes a comeback? Tell us what conditions look like in your neighborhood.