Winter has tightened its grip on Columbus, bringing bitterly cold air and snow flurries to the forecast this week. With temperatures dipping into single digits and light snow expected, residents should prepare for icy roads, frosty mornings, and bone-chilling conditions.
Current Weather Snapshot
- Temperature: 16°F (-9°C)
- Sky Conditions: Partly cloudy
It’s a frosty start to the week, and temperatures are set to drop even further in the days ahead.
This Week’s Forecast
- Tuesday, January 7: A cold day with a mix of clouds and sunshine. Highs will reach 27°F (-3°C), with overnight lows falling to 18°F (-8°C).
- Wednesday, January 8: Cloudy skies with occasional snow flurries. Highs near 26°F (-3°C) and lows dropping to 11°F (-12°C).
- Thursday, January 9: Bitterly cold but mostly sunny. Highs will hover around 23°F (-5°C), and nighttime temperatures will plunge to a dangerously cold 2°F (-17°C).
- Friday, January 10: Cloudy and very cold with light snow possible in the afternoon. Highs near 22°F (-6°C), with lows around 18°F (-8°C).
- Saturday, January 11: Morning flurries possible, with cloudy skies for the rest of the day. Highs will reach 29°F (-2°C), with lows around 19°F (-7°C).
- Sunday, January 12: A chilly day with overcast skies. Highs near 29°F (-2°C) and lows at 26°F (-3°C).
What to Watch Out For
- Dangerously Low Temperatures:
- With overnight lows in the single digits and even below zero, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin.
- Limit outdoor exposure and bundle up.
- Snow Flurries and Slick Roads:
- Light snow midweek and into the weekend could make roads slippery, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
How to Stay Safe
- Layer Up: Wear multiple layers, hats, gloves, and scarves to stay warm. Cover all exposed skin if heading outside during the coldest parts of the day.
- Drive Carefully: Slow down on snowy or icy roads, and make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and emergency supplies.
- Protect Your Home: Let faucets drip on the coldest nights to prevent pipes from freezing, and ensure your heating system is working efficiently.
- Check on Neighbors: Reach out to elderly or vulnerable individuals to ensure they have heat, food, and warm clothing.
