You’ve heard the jokes. If you don't like the weather in Ohio, just wait five minutes. Honestly, today is living up to that reputation, but with a frigid, bitey twist that’s keeping everyone in Columbus on their toes.
Right now, it's a crisp 18°F outside. Sunny? Yeah, technically. But don't let that bright sky fool you into thinking it's pleasant. With a 6 mph wind coming out of the west, the feels-like temperature is a stinging 9°F. That is the kind of cold that makes your nose hairs freeze the second you step out of a Short North coffee shop.
The humidity is sitting at 49%, and the UV index is basically non-existent at zero. If you're heading out to High Street or crossing the Scioto Mile, you’re going to need the heavy-duty parka. Basically, the sun is a lie today.
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What’s the weather Columbus Ohio is actually doing tonight?
While the day started with clear skies, things are shifting. We’re looking at a high of 23°F for the day, but the clouds are already moving in. By tonight, the "sunny" part of the day will be a distant memory as we transition into snow showers.
The low tonight is dropping to 15°F. Here is the breakdown of what to expect as the sun goes down:
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- Condition: Transitioning from cloudy to snow showers.
- Precipitation: There is a 25% chance of snow overnight.
- Wind: Stepping up slightly to 8 mph from the southwest.
- Humidity: Climbing to 50%.
It isn’t exactly a blizzard, but with the temperatures this low, anything that falls is going to stick. If you have a morning commute on Monday, expect those side streets in German Village or Clintonville to be a bit slick.
The Week Ahead: A Deep Freeze is Coming
If you think today is cold, brace yourself. Monday and Tuesday are going to be even more brutal. We’re talking about highs of only 22°F and lows that are going to plummet to 4°F.
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Wait, it gets weirder. By Wednesday, Columbus is going to see a massive temperature swing. The high is projected to hit 38°F. That sounds like a heatwave compared to 4 degrees, right? But it comes with a 35% chance of snow showers and 17 mph winds. It’s that classic Ohio "slush weather" where everything turns into a grey, salty mess.
Real Talk on January in C-Bus
Historically, January is the coldest month for us. While the average high is usually around 37°F, we are currently trending well below that. Locals still talk about January 19, 1994, when it hit 22 degrees below zero. We aren't there yet, but with a heavy snow storm predicted for next Monday (January 26) with a 75% chance of snow, winter is definitely "wintering."
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your tire pressure: These 10-to-20 degree drops cause the "low air" light to pop on like clockwork.
- Drip your faucets: With lows hitting 4°F in the next 48 hours, those older homes in the University District are at risk for frozen pipes.
- Salt the walk now: Don't wait until the 25% chance of overnight snow turns your driveway into a skating rink.