Bone-Chilling Cold Grips Columbus as Clouds Roll In for Thursday

Arctic Air Settles Over the Capital City

Residents of Columbus are waking up to some of the most punishing temperatures of the season this Thursday, January 29, 2026. As a massive cold air mass lingers over the Ohio Valley following the departure of earlier winter systems, the city remains locked in a deep freeze. Local meteorologists are warning of near-record low temperatures today, urging everyone to limit outdoor exposure and ensure pets are kept safely inside.

Morning: A Frigid and Bright Start

The morning hours will begin with partly cloudy skies and a biting chill. Temperatures at daybreak are expected to hover near -5°F, though light and variable winds may push the wind chill factor even lower. While the sun may make an appearance early on, it will provide little in the way of warmth. Commuters should prepare for frost-covered windshields and ensure vehicles are properly warmed before heading out. The humidity remains relatively high at 80%, adding a damp, piercing quality to the air.

Afternoon: Clouds Thicken as Temperatures Stall

By midday, the brief morning sun will likely give way to increasing cloud cover. The afternoon forecast calls for overcast conditions as the high temperature struggles to reach a projected 17°F. This is significantly below the historical average for late January in Columbus, keeping the region in a "very cold" category. While the winds are expected to remain light throughout the daylight hours, the lack of solar heating will make the afternoon feel particularly dreary for those traversing the downtown area or local campuses.

Evening and Night: Flurries on the Horizon

As we transition into the evening, the chance of precipitation begins to rise slightly. Forecasters are tracking a 20% chance of light snow or flurries developing after sunset. While significant accumulation is not anticipated, a dusting is possible on secondary roads and sidewalks, which could lead to slick spots during the late-night hours. Overnight lows will dip back down toward -4°F under cloudy skies. Wind speeds may increase slightly to around 14 mph from the west, potentially creating more dangerous wind chill conditions heading into Friday morning.

Weather Summary and Safety Alerts

• High Temperature: 17°F
• Low Temperature: -5°F
• Conditions: Partly cloudy morning, becoming overcast by afternoon.
• Precipitation: 20% chance of light snow overnight; no major accumulation expected.
• Wind: Light and variable during the day, increasing to 14 mph at night.
• Alerts: Near-record low temperatures; extreme cold warning in effect for vulnerable populations.