Columbus Breaks Heat Record, Severe Storms & Hail Threat Tonight

Rapid temperature swing and thunderstorms expected in central Ohio

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Columbus, Ohio experienced a record-breaking high temperature of 86 degrees on March 22, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 85 degrees set in 2012. However, the unseasonably warm weather is expected to be short-lived as a cold front moves in, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds.

Why it matters

The rapid shift from record heat to severe storm potential underscores a broader trend of increasingly volatile weather patterns linked to climate change. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, posing challenges for communities in preparing and responding.

The details

The National Weather Service in Wilmington reported that Columbus, as well as other cities in the region like Cincinnati and Dayton, set new high temperature records for March 22. However, the warm weather is expected to be followed by a dramatic 50-degree temperature drop as a cold front moves in. The approaching front is also expected to bring the threat of thunderstorms, with the potential for large hail up to 2 inches in diameter and damaging winds reaching 23 mph. AEP Ohio is advising customers to prepare for possible power outages due to the combination of high winds and hail.

  • Columbus reached a high of 86 degrees on March 22, 2026, breaking the previous record of 85 degrees set in 2012.
  • Storms are expected to begin around 7 p.m. on March 22 and last until 1 a.m. on March 23.

The players

National Weather Service in Wilmington

The local office of the National Weather Service that monitors and reports on weather conditions in the Columbus, Ohio region.

AEP Ohio

The electric utility company serving central and southern Ohio, which is proactively advising customers to prepare for potential power outages due to the severe weather.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on the timing and severity of the expected thunderstorms.

The takeaway

As extreme weather events become more frequent, communities must be proactive in preparing for rapid changes in weather conditions and the potential for power outages and other disruptions. Staying informed and taking appropriate safety measures is crucial for protecting lives and property.