The upcoming cold blast might not be as bad as originally predicted, but don’t plan to break out the board shorts.
Previously categorized as an Extreme Cold Watch, the cold temperatures forecast have been downgraded to an advisory.
Central Ohioans are still to expect subzero temperatures starting early Monday morning, with a Cold Weather Advisory in effect from 1 a.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
While a lower-level classification by the National Weather Service, a cold weather advisory is still extremely cold. Wind chills as low as 19 degrees below zero are to be expected across central and southwest Ohio, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Along with the arctic cold, snow showers are expected Sunday afternoon through the evening. While accumulations are predicted to be less than half an inch, the NWS reported the quick bursts of snow could cause reductions in visibility and slick roads.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is opening warming centers at five community centers will be open Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to provide a safe place to stay warm.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library at 96 S. Grant Ave., Downtown, will also open its lobby and auditorium from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday for those seeking refuge from the cold.
All other community centers and library locations are to be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Columbus’ annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March has also been canceled due to the extreme cold, but the city’s scheduled program at the Lincoln Theatre at 5 p.m. will continue as scheduled.
The NWS has recommended to dress in layers including a hat, face mask and gloves if individuals must go outside, and it urged people to keep pets indoors as much as possible.
When will the cold subside?
While the Cold Weather Advisory formally ends Wednesday at 10 a.m., it will warm up to what feels 14 degrees throughout the day.
Thursday, central Ohio will see a return to average winter temperatures Thursday, with a high of 31 degrees and a low of 19 degrees.
Over the weekend of Jan. 25, highs are expected to be in the upper 30s, which might feel tropical to some following the subzero temperatures kicking off the week.
Sophia Veneziano is a Columbus Dispatch reporter supported by the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation. She may be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio cold weather watch downgraded by National Weather Service
