I hope you all have your bread, milk, and eggs ready. It’s winter weather time.
An Arctic front is moving in, and by this weekend, Central Ohio will be plunged into some seriously bone-chilling cold. Let’s talk about what to expect and how to survive the freeze.
First, a quick look at what’s happening around us: parts of the Appalachians are already buried under several inches of snow, but the real headline is the Arctic air set to slam into the region starting Friday. By Sunday night, this frigid front will reach Ohio, bringing temperatures that are 15-35 degrees below normal.
So what does that mean for us?
For us in Columbus, that means highs struggling to make it out of the single digits early next week. Yes, you read that right—single digits.
And then there are the wind chills. Brace yourself for “what did I do to deserve this” levels of cold, with wind chill readings dipping as low as -10 to -25 degrees below zero. These conditions can cause frostbite on exposed skin in just minutes, so if you’re heading outside, layer up like your warmth depends on it—because it does.
Now, let’s talk snow.
While we aren’t expecting heavy accumulations here in Columbus, brief snow squalls are possible, bringing sudden bursts of snow and gusty winds. These can cause reduced visibility and slippery roads, so if you’re planning to be out and about, drive cautiously and maybe throw an extra blanket in your car just in case.
Looking ahead, the cold snap will stick around through midweek. Monday and Tuesday will feel downright glacial, with daytime highs barely reaching 10°F. It’s the kind of weather that makes a snow day sound way less fun and more like a “curl up with cocoa and don’t move” kind of deal.
So, Columbus, here’s our suggested game plan.
Stock up on groceries, locate all your coziest sweaters, and keep an eye on your neighbors, especially anyone who might need a little extra help staying warm. Winter has officially arrived, and it’s not playing around. Stay safe and stay warm!
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Featured image via Zach Vessels on Unsplash
