Columbus Winter 2024-2025: How It Compares to History
Spring is officially here! The vernal equinox has passed, marking the start of a new season in the Northern Hemisphere—including right here in Columbus.
Even though winter is technically behind us, the chill in the air says otherwise, with temperatures dipping into the 20s this week. But how does this past winter stack up against Columbus’ historical winters? Let’s break it down using data from the Midwest Regional Climate Center.
How Harsh Was Columbus’ Winter This Year?
While you may still be shivering from recent cold snaps, Columbus’ 2024-2025 winter was classified as only “moderate” in severity, according to the Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI).
What Is AWSSI?
AWSSI is a scoring system used by climate experts to rank winter severity based on key factors like:
- Snowfall accumulation
- Snow depth
- High and low temperatures
A higher AWSSI score means a harsher winter, while a lower score indicates milder conditions. This year, Columbus recorded an AWSSI score of 319, placing it 52nd out of 74 recorded winters—meaning it ranks among the 25 least severe winters in local history.
Columbus’ Most Intense Winters on Record
For comparison, here are the harshest winters in Columbus based on AWSSI scores:
❄️ 1977-1978
❄️ 1976-1977
❄️ 1978-1979
❄️ 1962-1963
❄️ 1984-1985
And here are Columbus’ mildest winters, ranked from least to most severe:
🌸 2011-2012
🌸 1997-1998
🌸 2023-2024
🌸 2019-2020
🌸 2001-2002
When Does Winter Actually End?
While the calendar says winter ends in March, AWSSI defines the season differently. According to this system, winter starts when:
- The first measurable snowfall (≥ 0.1 inch) occurs
- The first high temperature stays at or below 32°F
- If neither happens early, winter officially starts on December 1
Winter ends when:
- The last measurable snowfall occurs
- The last day with at least 1 inch of snow on the ground
- The last day where the high temperature is 32°F or colder
- If none of these conditions continue, winter ends on February 28/29
Could More Snow Be Coming?
Even though spring is here, winter may not be done with Columbus just yet! In fact, history shows that snowfall in Columbus has happened as late as May 9, 1923, when 0.3 inches of snow fell. So, while the flowers may be blooming, keep that winter coat handy—just in case.
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