Honestly, if you're living in Central Ohio right now, you already know the drill. You look out the window, see a grey sky that looks like a wet wool blanket, and wonder if it’s worth putting on three layers just to grab the mail.
Winter in C-bus isn't just a season; it’s a mood. And the columbus ohio weather this weekend is leaning hard into that "stay inside and drink tea" aesthetic. We're looking at a stretch of days from Friday, January 16, through Sunday, January 18, 2026, that will basically test your commitment to Ohio residency.
It’s gonna be cold. Like, "don't leave your brass instruments outside" cold.
The breakdown of the columbus ohio weather this weekend
Friday is setting the tone. We’re starting with a high of 35°F and a low of 21°F. That sounds manageable until you see the light snow in the forecast for both day and night. With a 35% chance of precipitation, it’s that annoying kind of snow—the stuff that makes the roads greasy but isn't quite enough to build a snowman.
South winds around 11 mph mean it won't feel like 35. It’ll feel like you’re walking through a walk-in freezer.
Saturday doesn't offer much of a reprieve. The high drops slightly to 33°F, and the low bottomed out at 17°F. Expect snow showers during the day. By Saturday night, things dry out a bit and become partly cloudy, but the wind shifts to the southwest at 12 mph.
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Sunday is where the real bite happens. The high only reaches 24°F. That’s it. That’s the peak. The low will be around 16°F. It’s mostly cloudy, and while the chance of snow drops to about 10-20%, the cold is the main story here.
Why people underestimate Ohio winters
Most folks think the danger is the big blizzard. Wrong. It’s the "in-between" days. The days where it’s 33 degrees and raining/snowing at the same time. This weekend fits that bill.
I’ve seen too many people try to hit the Short North in light jackets because "it's only 30 degrees." Then the wind hits at High and 5th, and suddenly they're looking for the nearest coffee shop like it's a life raft. Don't be that person.
If you’re planning on headed to the Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory, you're actually picking the perfect atmosphere, but you'll want those heavy-duty wool socks. The Conservatory is beautiful when it's snowing, but the walk from the parking lot can be a trek in 11 mph winds.
What to actually do this weekend
Since the weather is being... well, Ohio-ish... maybe skip the outdoor hikes.
- Winter Jam 2026: If you’re into the music scene, the Schottenstein Center is hosting this. It’s indoors. It’s warm. It’s a $15 donation at the door. Hard to beat that for a Saturday night when the outside air is 17 degrees.
- Franklin Park Conservatory: The Winter Ice Festival is still running. It's a vibe.
- Hashtag Comedy Club: They’ve got their "TBD: The Improvised Musical" on Friday night.
Basically, find a roof.
Looking ahead (The scary part)
The columbus ohio weather this weekend is actually just the appetizer. Forecasters are already sounding the alarm for next Tuesday, January 20. We’re talking a "Weather Impact Alert" for frigid air that could push wind chills down to -15°F.
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So, use this weekend to prep. Check your antifreeze. Make sure your furnace filters are clean.
Pro tip: If you have those outdoor faucets, make sure the hoses are off. I know, you meant to do it in November. Do it now before Sunday’s 16-degree low turns your pipes into popsicles.
Ohio weather is unpredictable, sure, but this weekend seems pretty set on being a cold, grey, snowy slog. Embrace it. Get some Buckeye donuts, find a fireplace, and wait for the "big freeze" next week.
Survival Steps for the Weekend
- Layer up: It’s not about one big coat; it’s about the base layers.
- Drive slow: Friday and Saturday snow will make for slick bridges.
- Check on neighbors: Especially once that Sunday night low of 16°F hits.
- Hydrate: Winter air is incredibly dry in Columbus.
- Prep for Tuesday: This weekend is your last chance to get supplies before the sub-zero wind chills arrive.