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Snow Returns to Central Ohio with New Systems Tuesday‑Friday and Subzero Wind‑Chills

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  • Snowfall totals around central Ohio from the winter storm January 24 & 25, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Snowfall totals around central Ohio from the winter storm January 24 & 25, 2026. (Credit: Aaron White) Source Full size
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    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: WBNS-10TV Source Full size
  • Winter Weather Advisory issued for Tuesday as light snow is expected south of I-70.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Winter Weather Advisory issued for Tuesday as light snow is expected south of I-70. (Credit: 10 Weather Impact) Source Full size
  • Saturday morning sets a new record low
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Saturday morning sets a new record low (Credit: WBNS) Source Full size
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    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: 10 Weather Impact Source Full size
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    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Source Full size
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    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: Shutterstock.com Source Full size
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    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: V. J. Matthew - stock.adobe.com Source Full size
  • File photo
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    File photo (Credit: Maryna - stock.adobe.com) Source Full size
  • Winter Weather Advisory issued for Tuesday as light snow is expected south of I-70.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Winter Weather Advisory issued for Tuesday as light snow is expected south of I-70. (Credit: 10 Weather Impact) Source Full size
  • Potential snow accumulation for the system moving through on Tuesday.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Potential snow accumulation for the system moving through on Tuesday. (Credit: 10 Weather Impact) Source Full size
  • Saturday morning sets a new record low
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Saturday morning sets a new record low (Credit: WBNS) Source Full size
  • Saturday morning sets a new record low
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Saturday morning sets a new record low (Credit: WBNS) Source Full size
  • Snowfall totals around central Ohio from the winter storm January 24 & 25, 2026.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Snowfall totals around central Ohio from the winter storm January 24 & 25, 2026. (Credit: Aaron White) Source Full size
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: 10 Weather Impact Source Full size
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: 10 Weather Impact Source Full size
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: V. J. Matthew - stock.adobe.com Source Full size
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: WBNS-10TV Source Full size
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: Shutterstock.com Source Full size
  • None
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Credit: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Source Full size
  • File photo
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    File photo (Credit: Maryna - stock.adobe.com) Source Full size

Columbus Hits Record Low Amid Arctic Air The city recorded a historic –9°F on Saturday, Jan. 31, shattering the prior –6°F record and prompting an extended 10 Weather Impact Alert Day through Sunday [4][2]. Wind‑chill values plunged to –30°F across central and southern Ohio, with temperatures remaining below 20°F as a frigid Canadian air mass settled over the region [2][1]. Meteorologists warned that the deep freeze would persist through the weekend, delaying any significant warming until the following week [3].

Snowpack Reaches 8‑16+ Inches, Triggering Emergencies Snowfall totals ranged from 8 to 16+ inches across central Ohio, with isolated reports of 20 inches in Dover and 17 inches near Zanesville [13][12]. The extensive snowpack forced Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies in most counties, restricting road travel to emergency vehicles in several areas [14][12]. These conditions reinforced the cold air, locking in sub‑zero temperatures and prompting widespread alerts from the 10 Weather Impact team [2][11].

Schools and Zoo Shut Down Through Early February More than a dozen school districts, including Columbus City Schools, canceled classes for up to five consecutive days, with many planning to reopen on Monday after the snow emergencies lifted [5][7]. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium remained closed through Feb. 1 to protect animals and visitors from the extreme cold and lingering snow [9]. Officials emphasized that the primary barrier to reopening was the hazardous cold rather than road access [5][8].

New Snow Systems Expected Tuesday Through Friday Forecasters announced a narrow band of light‑to‑moderate snow for Tuesday, delivering 1‑3 inches to areas south of I‑70, followed by a broader but lighter system on Friday that could produce dustings up to 2 inches [1]. After Tuesday’s snowfall clears, high temperatures are projected to dip into the 20s on Wednesday and Thursday before the Friday system arrives [1]. The weekend will bring subzero wind‑chill values as a much colder air mass moves in, setting the stage for a brief warming trend early next week [1].

Forecast Calls for Subzero Wind‑Chills Then Gradual Warmup Saturday and Sunday are expected to feature wind‑chills below 0°F, with daytime highs remaining in the low‑teens [1]. Computer models suggest a gradual rise to the 40°F range by the end of the following week, offering a short reprieve from the deep freeze [1]. Residents can track the evolving situation via the 10 Weather Impact alerts and the 10TV mobile app, which provide real‑time radar, warnings, and a 10‑day forecast [2][3].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 2, 2025 – Central Ohio schools, courts, and several districts cancel or delay classes after an overnight snowstorm drops 2‑4 inches, prompting Snow Emergency levels 1‑3 and a 10 Weather Impact alert; Columbus City Schools, Franklin Local and others join the closures, and the county courts shut down for the day [29][30][27].

Dec 5, 2025 – Ohio records unprecedented low wind chills as temperatures linger in the single digits while strong winds drive wind‑chill values below any previous reading for the season [25].

Dec 11, 2025 – A cold northwest flow pushes temperatures into the 20s overnight, and a band of snow showers brings dustings to a half‑inch across central Ohio, with wind chills diving into the teens and twenties [17].

Dec 14, 2025 – After Saturday’s 9‑inch snowfall, wind gusts up to 25 mph produce blowing snow and wind chills near or below zero on Sunday and Monday, leading to snow emergencies in several counties [23].

Dec 15, 2025 – Columbus City Schools cancel Monday classes and extracurriculars because of lingering snow and subzero wind chills, while the district warns that temperatures will rebound into the 20s later in the week [22]; the same day, a broader list of central Ohio districts closes or delays due to slick roads and bitter cold [21].

Jan 1, 2026 – The 10 TV Weather Impact Team issues a Weather Impact Alert Day for early‑night snow, forecasting 0.5‑1.5 inches (up to 2 inches locally) and wind chills in the teens as residents travel to New Year’s events [18].

2004 – Columbus previously set its all‑time low of –6 °F on Jan. 31, a benchmark broken by the 2026 event [4].

Jan 16, 2026 – The Columbus Metropolitan Library opens its main branch as a cold‑weather shelter from noon to 9 p.m., offering Wi‑Fi and restrooms while all other branches close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day [16].

Jan 20, 2026 – Extreme cold drives wind chills to –15 °F, prompting dozens of districts—including Big Walnut, Coshocton City and Olentangy—to cancel or delay Tuesday classes; Columbus City Schools already observes a Professional Development Day, and a 10 TV Weather Impact Alert and NWS Cold Weather Advisory remain in effect [15].

Jan 23, 2026 – Governor Mike DeWine urges Ohioans to stay home as a winter storm threatens 6‑12 inches of snow; he says, “Stay home; the upcoming storm poses a serious danger,” while ODOT readies 1,500 trucks and 3,000 workers for snow‑clearance operations [14].

Jan 25, 2026 – Giant Eagle announces all Ohio stores will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday due to six‑inch‑to‑nearly‑foot snowfalls and statewide Level 2/3 snow emergencies, thanking staff for helping customers stock up before the storm [13].

Jan 26, 2026 – The Columbus Blue Jackets postpone Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, rescheduling it for March 9 and keeping tickets valid, while the team moves its next home game up to Wednesday against the Flyers; the decision follows a foot of snow and wind chills near –20 °F [11]; the same day, multiple districts close schools as the storm continues [12].

Jan 27, 2026 – A major winter storm blankets central Ohio with 16‑plus inches of snow (up to 20 inches in Dover) and triggers Level 2/3 snow emergencies, subzero temperatures and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F, shutting schools and businesses and prompting ODOT to deploy thousands of plows [10][9].

Jan 28, 2026 – Ten districts, including Columbus City Schools and Dublin City Schools, announce Thursday closures as arctic air drives wind‑chill values to –15 °F or lower, while a modest warming trend is expected early next week [8].

Jan 29, 2026 – Central Ohio schools cancel Friday classes amid brutally cold arctic air with morning lows near zero and afternoon highs in the low teens; wind chills stay at or below zero, and Saturday may tie the Jan. 31 record low of –6 °F [7]; the same day, Hilliard City Schools marks its fifth consecutive closure, extending the disruption for families [6].

Jan 30, 2026 – Snow emergencies lift across most central Ohio counties as roads clear, and Mayor Andrew Ginther says, “All Columbus City Schools should be back in session on Monday,” signaling a return to classes after a week‑long shutdown [5].

Jan 31, 2026 – Columbus records a new all‑time low of –9 °F at John Glenn Airport, shattering the 2004 record of –6 °F; wind chills plunge to –30 °F, and meteorologists forecast daytime highs rising into the 20s and near 30 °F early next week [4].

Feb 1, 2026 – The 10 Weather Impact team reports that the –9 °F record low persists, snowpack remains 8‑16+ inches deep across central Ohio, and Canadian arctic air will keep temperatures below the 20s until the following week, extending the deep freeze [2][3].

Feb 2, 2026 – Snow returns to central Ohio with flurries Monday and two additional systems expected Tuesday‑Friday; Tuesday’s narrow band brings 1‑3 inches near I‑70, Friday’s broader event may add up to two inches, and subzero wind chills are forecast for the weekend before a warming trend lifts highs into the 40s by the end of next week [1].

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