COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Snow develops tonight, with accumulations mainly south by Friday morning, and slick spots are possible. More snow Saturday with more accumulation in the Columbus metro area; Saturday will be an ALERT DAY. Plus, frigid temperatures this weekend and early next week.
The WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been expanded to include Ross and Pike Counties from 7 p.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Friday. Several inches of snow are possible and may create slippery road conditions, including during the Friday morning commute. Slow down and use extra caution while traveling, especially in South Central and Southwestern Ohio.
Snowfall by Friday morning
And a WINTER STORM WATCH is in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning for much of the Columbus metro area as another round of snow showers moves into the region. Much of the area could collect up to 3 or more inches of snow during the day Saturday. Driving conditions are likely to be come hazardous.
ALSO | FORECAST | RADAR | CLOSINGS
- THURSDAY NIGHT: mostly overcast, snow showers developing overnight, light accumulations in the metro area with heavier accumulations to the south, low 25.
- FRIDAY: snow ending in the morning, mostly cloudy, high 34.
- SATURDAY (ALERT DAY): cloudy, breezy, snow showers developing during the day, accumulations of 2”-4” likely in the metro area, slippery travel conditions, cold, high 29.
- SUNDAY: mostly cloudy, windy, frigid cold, early-morning wind chills below zero, high 18.
- MONDAY: early-morning wind chills below zero, partly cloudy, cold, windy, high 22.
- TUESDAY: partly cloudy, milder, high 33.
- WEDNESDAY: mostly cloudy, windy, milder, a few rain showers, high 43.
- THURSDAY: cloudy, windy, rain and showers, milder, high 50.
Snow Totals by Noon Friday
Central Ohio is between weather makers this afternoon and savoring the quiet conditions while they last. A few flurries are floating around, but not enough to show up on radar. Most of the state is reporting cloudy midday skies with a light breeze and temperatures near or below freezing. Clouds will get even thicker this evening ahead of an approaching low-pressure center.
The low will arrive in the Ohio River Valley by early Friday morning, pushing some significant snow ahead of it. The heaviest snow will be along and south of the Ohio River, but portions of Central and Southern Ohio are likely to get some accumulations (deeper the farther south you go). The Columbus metro area may see a half-in or even up to a patch inch; Southern Ohio will collect 2 or more inches, with 3 or more in the Cincinnati area and along the Ohio River. The snow will continue through mid-morning Friday with mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon.
Snowfall Forecast Saturday Through Sunday
The next system arrives on Saturday. A low-pressure center scoots into the Great Lakes, dragging a cold front through Ohio. Snow showers will develop by midday Saturday, continuing through the afternoon and evening, tapering off by early Sunday morning. Accumulations of 2”-4” are possible across the Columbus metro area. For South Central Ohio, the new snow will add to what’s already on the ground from Friday morning. Slippery conditions will be likely and travel may be challenging, especially while the snow is still falling. Plan on extra time if you need to travel on Saturday.
Once the front moves east of Ohio, the snow tapers off but arctic air slides into the region. Sunday starts with frigid cold in the single digits and wind chills below zero. Daytime highs will be in the teens, about 20+ degrees below average. Sunshine will break through the clouds as high pressure starts to build into the region but the wind will remain gusty and biting. Breezy, partly cloudy conditions continue on Monday. The high mellows out on Tuesday, allowing for sunshine and less wind; it also shifts the flow to the southwest which will allow for some slightly warmer (yet, still below average) temperatures.
Back-to-back systems move through the area next Wednesday and Thursday with breezy conditions and a chance for some scattered rain showers each day.
