COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Cold nights are coming, with many areas freezing or getting colder. FROST WARNINGS are in effect for Wednesday morning. Daytime highs are climbing every day this week and we’ll be back in the 70s by the weekend.

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

This weekend we can officially say that we are in the Second Summer. The American Meteorological Society’s Glossary of Meteorology defines Second Summer as

“(a) period of abnormally warm weather occurring in mid to late autumn and after the first frost. The similar period in Europe is called the Old Wives summer and can, poetically, be called halcyon days. In England, depending on the dates on which it occurs, such a period may be called the Summer of St. Martin, the Summer of St. Luke and previously the All-Hallow Summer.

• TUESDAY NIGHT: Rain ends early, clear skies and cold, frost and frost, low 36.
• WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, cool and breezy, high 54.
• THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, high 61.
• FRIDAY: Mostly sunny, high 67.
• SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, high 70 degrees.
• SUNDAY: Mostly sunny, high 72.
• MONDAY: Mostly sunny, high 73.
• TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, breezy, high 74.

FROST WARNINGS are in effect through 9 a.m. Wednesday morning for all of Central, Southern and Western Ohio. Frost and freezing temperatures can damage or destroy delicate plants and can damage unprotected pipes and sprinkler systems or outdoor water features.

A moderate trough will work its way through the state this afternoon, bringing a few showers along the way. Clouds and showers will continue throughout the afternoon and taper off this evening. Eastern Ohio may see some clouds with lake effects and even some isolated showers, but the rest of the state will see some clearing.

Where the air clears, temperatures will drop.

Temperatures are already well below average, and as we radiate the heat without our blanket of clouds, many areas will dip into the mid-30s or even upper 20s.

FROST WARNINGS cover most of Central Ohio, including urban areas. In places protected from the wind, frost is likely. Where winds are slightly stronger, temperatures will still be cold enough to damage plants and irrigation systems, but frost will be less likely. If you haven’t turned on the oven yet this season, the next few nights might be enough to do it.

Frost and freezing conditions are possible again on Thursday and Friday morning.

High pressure will build across the region through the remainder of the work week and weekend. The temperature will rise a little every day. Afternoon highs will be in the 60s Thursday and Friday. They will drop back into the 70s this weekend.