Columbus, OH – Central Ohio is bracing for a major weather shift this weekend as mild autumn air gives way to the first hint of winter snow. Meteorologists say a series of systems will bring steady rain, gusty winds, and the season’s first snowflakes by late Sunday night into Monday morning.
The Weather Pattern: From Rain to Wintry Mix
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, showers will begin spreading across central and southern Ohio late Friday, marking the start of a cold front that will gradually move through the state.
Temperatures on Friday are expected to climb into the low 60s before colder air rushes in behind the front. Winds may gust up to 30 mph, particularly along Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 33, making for blustery and wet travel conditions through Saturday morning.
By Saturday, forecasters expect a brief lull in precipitation, with partly sunny skies and highs around 60°F. However, the calm will be short-lived, as a second weather system approaches on Sunday, bringing widespread rain and the potential for snow showers overnight.
Weekend Forecast Details for Central Ohio
Meteorologists say the transition to snow could begin by Sunday evening, especially across northwestern and central Ohio, as temperatures fall into the upper 30s and low 30s.
“A rain-to-snow changeover is possible late Sunday into Monday morning,” the National Weather Service said in its latest briefing. “Accumulations look light but may be enough to cause slick roads for the Monday morning commute.”
By early Monday, scattered snow showers could develop across Columbus, Dayton, and Lima, bringing the first measurable snowfall of the 2025–26 winter season.
While totals are expected to remain low, even a dusting could create icy spots, especially on bridges, overpasses, and rural roads during the morning drive.
Temperature Drop and Wind Impacts
Behind Sunday’s system, cold northwest winds will usher in much cooler air for the start of the week. Highs on Monday are forecast near 37°F, with wind chills making it feel closer to freezing.
“The cold air filtering in behind this front will mark a clear seasonal change,” forecasters noted, adding that wind gusts up to 25 mph could make it feel even colder for Veterans Day activities.
By Tuesday, conditions are expected to turn dry and partly sunny, though highs will struggle to reach the low 40s, signaling the arrival of a true November chill.
Five-Day Forecast for Columbus, OH
- Friday: 62°/41° – Rain develops late; breezy with gusts near 30 mph.
- Saturday: 60°/42° – Partly sunny; mild before clouds return late.
- Sunday: 49°/29° – Rain likely; rain-to-snow mix possible overnight.
- Monday: 37°/25° – Snow showers early; cold and windy.
- Tuesday: 41°/24° – Partly sunny and dry; cold air continues.
Seasonal Outlook and Early Winter Signs
Meteorologists say this weekend’s cold snap may be an early sign of a colder and snowier pattern heading into late November. With Thanksgiving less than three weeks away, forecasters are watching for potential Arctic air intrusions that could lead to more frequent snow events later in the month.
Ohio’s shift from rain to snow this weekend could be the first in a series of winter-like systems expected to develop across the Midwest before the end of November.
Conclusion
As Ohioans prepare for the weekend, residents are advised to drive cautiously, secure outdoor items ahead of strong winds, and keep an eye on Sunday night’s forecast for potential slick roads Monday morning. With the first snowflakes of the season on the horizon, it’s time to get ready for winter’s early arrival.
What do you think about Ohio’s early winter forecast? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
