Honestly, if you’re looking out your window in Central Ohio tonight, you already know the vibe. It’s that classic, gray Columbus winter. Right now, it’s 32°F. It feels like 27°F.
The air is thick—98% humidity. That’s why that light snow falling outside feels more like a damp blanket than a "winter wonderland." We’re seeing light snow showers currently, and honestly, the roads are starting to get that suspicious sheen.
The Reality of weather in columbus ohio right now
Most people think a few flakes don't matter. They’re wrong.
The National Weather Service out of Wilmington actually put out a Special Weather Statement today. They’re tracking a clipper system moving through the Great Lakes. This isn't a massive blizzard, but it’s the kind of "sneaky" weather that causes fender benders on I-71 and I-270.
We’re looking at maybe an inch or two of accumulation by morning. The real kicker? Pavement temperatures are dropping. Untreated roads, overpasses, and bridge decks are going to be slick. If you’ve got to be out on the road tonight or early Saturday morning, give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Basically, don't be that person tailgating a salt truck.
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The Numbers You Actually Need
It’s easy to get lost in a weather app, but here’s the breakdown for the next few hours. The wind is coming from the south at about 6 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to keep that "feels like" temperature in the mid-20s.
Visibility is hovering around 9 miles, though that drops fast when a heavier burst of snow moves through.
- Tonight's Low: 32°F (It's not going to move much).
- Precipitation Chance: 21% right now, but rising to about 25% later tonight.
- The "Feel": Damp, cold, and quiet.
Why Next Week is the Real Story
While everyone is focused on the snow flurries tonight, the local experts at WBNS-10TV and other outlets are already sounding the alarm for Tuesday.
We are looking at a serious "reenforcing shot" of arctic air. Monday's high is only 22°F. Tuesday? The high might only reach 26°F, but the low is a bone-chilling 8°F.
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There's even a 10TV Weather Impact Alert Day for Tuesday morning. Why? Because wind chills are expected to drop below zero. That’s the kind of cold that isn't just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous for pets and can lead to frostbite in minutes if you’re not bundled up.
Columbus Metropolitan Library is even opening its main branch on South Grant Avenue this coming Monday from noon to 9 p.m. specifically as a warming center. They aren’t offering library services that day, but they are offering a place to not freeze. That tells you everything you need to know about the severity of the cold front coming our way.
How Columbus Compares Historically
January is historically our coldest month. The average high is usually around 37°F, so we’re actually running a bit below that today with our high of 34°F.
Did you know the record low for Columbus in January was -22°F back in 1994? We aren't hitting that, thankfully. But 8°F is still plenty cold enough to make your car struggle to start on Tuesday morning.
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What You Should Actually Do
Stop checking the radar every five minutes and just prep for the ice.
First, if you have a commute tomorrow morning (Saturday), check the 10TV app or local news for school delays or "snow emergencies." Even a coating of an inch can trigger Level 1 snow emergencies in surrounding counties like Madison or Delaware.
Second, if you have outdoor spigots, make sure they're covered. This sustained cold heading into next week is exactly when pipes love to burst.
Finally, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. With temperatures plunging into the single digits by Monday night, a furnace failure becomes a life-and-death situation pretty quickly.
Basically, enjoy the quiet snow tonight, but get your heavy parka ready. You’re going to need it by Monday.