Light rain and cool temperatures, with frost on the way

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — There are always cold nights in sight, during which it will be freezing cold or colder in many areas. Frost warnings are in effect for Wednesday morning. Daily highs will rise every day this week and by the weekend we will be back in the 70s.

The last time Columbus reported a temperature of 36°F or colder was April 25, 2024 (173 days ago), with an early morning low of 33°F. The last time Columbus fell to freezing or colder was 31F on April 7, 2024 (191 days ago).

This weekend we can officially say we are in our second summer. The American Meteorological Society's Glossary of Meteorology defines Second Summer as

“(a) Period of unusually warm weather occurring in mid to late autumn and after the first frost. The comparable period is known in Europe as “Old Wives' Summer” and can poetically be referred to as “Halcyon Days”. In England Depending on the date of occurrence, such a period may be referred to as St. Martin's Summer, St. Luke's Summer and, earlier, All Saints' Summer.

• TUESDAY NIGHT: Rain stops early, clear and cold, frosty and freezing conditions, low 36.
• WEDNESDAY: mostly sunny, cool and windy, high temperature 54.
• THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, high temperature 61.
• FRIDAY: Mostly sunny, high temperature 67.
• SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, high 70.
• SUNDAY: Mostly sunny, high temperature 72.
• MONDAY: Mostly sunny, high temperature 73.
• TUESDAY: mostly sunny, windy, high temp 74.

Freeze warnings are in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday morning for all of central, southern and western Ohio. Frost and freezing temperatures can damage or destroy sensitive plants and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing and sprinkler systems or water features.

A moderate low point will move through the state this afternoon, causing a few showers along the way. Clouds and isolated showers will persist through the afternoon, easing this evening. Eastern Ohio may experience some sea clouds and even a few scattered showers, but the rest of the state will see some clearing.

Where the sky is clear, temperatures drop.

Temperatures are already well below average, and as we radiate heat without our cloud cover, many areas will drop to temperatures in the mid 30s and even above 20 degrees.

Freeze warnings are in effect for most of central Ohio, including urban areas. Frost is to be expected in places protected from the wind. Where winds are slightly stronger, temperatures will still be cold enough to damage crops and irrigation systems, but frost is less likely. If you haven't fired up the oven yet this season, the next few nights might be enough.

Frost and frost are expected again on Thursday and Friday morning.

High pressure will build in the region for the remainder of the work week and weekend. The temperatures rise a little every day. Afternoon highs will be in the 60s Thursday and Friday. At the weekend they return to the 70s.