Unseasonably Chilly Weather Persists in Central Ohio Amid Polar Vortex Influence
Central Ohio is experiencing unusually cold weather for early May, attributed to a residual piece of the polar vortex that brought frigid conditions during the past winter. This year has seen significant weather fluctuations, with the winter of 2026 being the coldest and snowiest since 2014-15, recording 33.9 inches of snow. After an abrupt end to winter in early March, April brought record warmth, averaging 60°F (15.6°C), 6.8°F above normal. However, May has reversed this trend, with temperatures averaging nearly 8°F below normal during the first week. Near-record lows of 33°F (0.6°C) and 31°F (-0.6°C) were recorded on May 2 and 3 in Columbus, with frost reported in surrounding areas. The jet stream has shifted southward, creating a blocking pattern that continues to funnel cooler air into the region.