Cincinnati, Ohio – A mid-January warm-up could bring periods of rain across the Ohio Valley while increasing the risk of freezing rain and icy travel conditions in colder pockets as temperatures fluctuate near freezing.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of the Ohio Valley is favored to see above-normal temperatures during the January 9–13 period, while precipitation trends near normal. This setup often supports rain as the dominant precipitation type, but lingering cold air near the surface could allow freezing rain to develop in parts of the region.
The highest risk for icing appears across northern and interior sections of the Ohio Valley, including southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and portions of eastern Indiana, where overnight and early morning temperatures may hover near freezing. Even light ice accumulation could impact travel on I-71, I-75, I-64, and rural secondary roads.
Farther south, including areas along the Tennessee and lower Ohio River corridors, precipitation is more likely to fall as rain, leading to wet roads and reduced visibility during heavier showers. Brief temperature drops at night could still allow isolated slick spots on bridges and overpasses.
Drivers are encouraged to stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and plan for slower travel during the period. Additional advisories may be issued as confidence increases closer to mid-January, especially if colder air lingers longer than expected across parts of the Ohio Valley.
