COLUMBUS — It may be mid-October, but Columbus felt like summer on Tuesday, reaching 87 degrees and breaking a daily heat record that had stood for more than half a century.
The National Weather Service office in Wilmington reported the 87-degree high topped the previous Oct. 13 record of 85 degrees, set in 1969. Forecasters credited a strong ridge of high pressure over the Ohio Valley, along with abundant sunshine and clear skies, for pushing temperatures well above normal for this time of year.
The warmth is not expected to settle in for long. Forecasters say the pattern will turn more unsettled in the coming days, with rain moving in as the warm spell continues, followed by a sharp cooldown.
By Saturday night, after skies clear, overnight temperatures are expected to fall near freezing. Forecasters said there is a chance of frost, though it was not considered likely enough to include in the forecast as of Tuesday.
The swing is a reminder of how quickly Ohio weather can change in October — from record heat early in the week to near-freezing temperatures by the weekend.
Residents enjoying the warm day were advised to keep an eye on the changing forecast, especially anyone with outdoor plans, gardens or sensitive plants that could be affected by the weekend cold snap.
