Winter is on the way, weather you like it or not. | Photo via Canva
We know the question on your mind, Columbusites — when’s it going to get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February. While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: The first day of winter is on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Expect more snow + rain than normal this year, according to this map. | Map via NOAA
🌡 Temperature
Our city is predicted to experience typical winter temperatures for the area.
☁️ Precipitation
Expect snow + rain. Columbus has a 40-50% chance of seeing above average snow and rainfall amounts this winter.
🌧 Diving into December
December is our first introduction to the winter season with average temperatures ranging as high as 39.2° and as low as 29.3°. Midway through this month, temperatures have been chilly with mostly rainfall — not snowfall — which is on average with our historic data of 11.6 rainy days per December.
🧊 Jumping into January
Get ready to bundle up, CBUS — the historic data shows January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures at 21.6°. This is also the month with the least amount of sunlight, averaging just 3.5 hours of sunshine per day, so we recommend a local cup of coffee to stay warm + awake.
❄️ Falling for February
February is the month for falling in love — and the month for snowfall. According to weather data, February is when we see the most snow with an average of 10.4 snowy days per month. With experts predicting an uptick in snowfall, we recommend grabbing a snow shovel before they sell out like last year.
POLL
The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore the city is…
Hanging with Rudolph Paint and Sip | Friday, Dec. 16 | 4-6 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 691 N. High St., Columbus | $37 | Sip some wine as you paint the classic holiday reindeer.
Holiday Challenge: Live Competition | Friday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Nest Theatre, 2643 N. High St., Columbus | $15-$100 | Watch improv veterans compete for the highly coveted holiday spirit award in this interactive show.
Saturday, Dec. 17
The Dolly Disco | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 9 p.m. | The Bluestone, 583 E. Broad St., Columbus | $13 | Dance the night away at this Dolly Parton-themed party.
The Nutcracker | Sunday, Dec. 18-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus | $34-$104 | Watch BalletMet’s elegant production with costuming, sets, and dance.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Dos Hermanos is set to open its newest location at Easton Town Center on Monday, Dec. 19. This new spot, located at 3946 Moarse Rd., opens as the local taco spot’s first ever sit-down restaurant as it originally started as a food truck + inside the North Market. 🌮 (Columbus Business First)
First Watch, a national breakfast chain, will also open a new location on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6505 Dublin Center Dr. This is the 11th location for First Watch in central Ohio, but the first location with a dedicated merchandise area. 🍳
Development
Glytch Inc., a national gaming startup, announced plans to open a $54 million professional e-sports facility in Columbuswithin the next three years. The location will be disclosed next spring when construction begins. The spot will feature arcade games, laser tag, an esports team training studio, and dining. 🕹 (Columbus Business First)
Community
COTAapproved its $189 millionbudget for 2023 which includes plans to hire more drivers, retain current drivers, and expand previously reduced routes. The local bus service hopes to add 20 drivers and grow its driving pool from 580 to 600. 🚌 (The Columbus Dispatch)
Cause
Today is the final day to drop off new and gently used coats, hats, and mittens to Dublin’s Chamber of Commerce which will be donated to those in need during the winter. The drop off site is at 129 S. High St. and is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 🧤
God’s Hygiene, a local service providing free hygiene products to families in need, has partnered with DoorDash. Through the partnership, the nonprofit can now deliver items like shampoo + toothpaste to families completely free of charge. 🚗 (ABC6 On Your Side)
Biz
The Bottle Shop, a popular bar + takeout spot with beer, wine, and spirits, will temporarily close the first week of January as Gregory Stokes takes over as the new owner. Gregory, who is the co-owner of Accent Wine Parlor Downtown, hopes to add healthcare options in the future for employees in addition to an existing paid time off program. 🍹 (Columbus Underground)
Shop
It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️
Travel
Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*
Finance
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*
Outdoors
Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life?Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new membersthrough Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *
Correction
Mad River Mountain is located in Zanesfield, not Zanesville. It’s still a top spot for hitting the slopes this winter season, you’ll just be heading northwest instead of east.
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REAL ESTATE
Forecasting the housing market in 2023
Columbus real estate agents give their predictions for 2023
There were 36,000+ home sales in the Capital City in 2021, according to Columbus REALTORS. | Photo via Canva
Real estate agents are predicting many changes next year, including interest rates, sale prices,and time on the market. If you are looking to buy or sell a home, it helps to know what trends to expect. So, we asked the local experts.
Keep an eye on the ‘burbs 🏡
Lee Ritchie, Leader and Principal of Ritchie Realty Group of RE/MAX Partners, said remote working + the pandemic led to major shifts for home buyers. In short, people want more space. This includes home offices, backyards, and additional bedrooms, all of which Lee said can be more easily found in suburbs like Dublin, Upper Arlington, or Hilliard.
Eye on the school districts 🏡
Priscilla Johnson, realtor with Columbest Homes, said neighborhoods near popular school districts seem to always be, trending on the market. Lee noted neighborhoods like Gahanna, Powell, and Grandview which all have schools with high ratings from the state.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Mitch.
Editor’s pick: Happy Friday, CBUS. Weekends feel a little different around here without college football — but at least that means the lines at breakfast spots are back to normal. Any tips on where I should grab breakfast this weekend? My only requirement is unlimited refills on coffee.
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