Columbus temperatures rise above the teens this week, with light snow chances returning by Friday

A modest warmup follows a stretch of bitter cold

Central Ohio is moving into a gradual warming trend after a prolonged period of subfreezing temperatures that kept daytime highs in the teens and overnight lows near or below zero. In Columbus, conditions early Monday remained wintry, with temperatures in the mid-teens before sunrise and a cloudy, cold day expected to follow.

Forecast guidance for the next seven days points to highs generally climbing from the 20s early in the week toward the 30s by late week, a shift that would move the region out of the coldest part of the recent pattern. Even with the moderation, overnight temperatures are still expected to remain below freezing on most nights, keeping untreated surfaces vulnerable to refreezing.

Snow chances: lighter events, but timing could affect travel

While the warmup is the headline, several windows for light snow remain in the forecast. In Columbus, a minor round of snow is possible Monday afternoon, with additional flurries or brief snow showers possible Tuesday into Wednesday. Forecast amounts for these early-week rounds are expected to be light, but even small accumulations can create slick conditions, especially during peak commuting hours and in shaded areas where melting is limited.

Another period of snow is possible late week, with the highest probability currently centered on Friday. Forecast confidence is lower at this range, but the setup supports another light event rather than a major storm. Residents should plan for changing conditions, particularly if snow coincides with breezy weather or a rapid temperature drop after precipitation.

What the week ahead could look like in Columbus

• Monday: Cloudy and cold, with a chance for light snow later in the day.

• Tuesday–Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with intermittent flurries or light snow showers possible.

• Thursday: Dry intervals possible, still cold but edging milder.

• Friday: Another potential round of light snow, with temperatures trending closer to freezing.

Ongoing impacts: ice risk and cold-weather stressors persist

Even as daytime temperatures recover, the combination of subfreezing nights and periodic light snow can maintain hazardous driving and walking conditions. The risk is highest on bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads, where surfaces cool faster and treatment may be less frequent.

With temperatures still frequently below freezing overnight, any daytime melting can refreeze after sunset, increasing the risk of black ice.

The warming trend offers some relief, but winter hazards remain in play through the end of the week. Updated forecasts will be important as late-week snow chances and temperature swings become clearer.