Ohio — The cold cuts sharply this morning along the Ohio River. Car doors creak, exhaust lingers, and even short walks feel punishing as Cincinnati wakes to another blast of Arctic air.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through midday. Wind chills have dipped as low as 15 degrees below zero across southwest Ohio, southeast Indiana, and northern Kentucky. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of hypothermia without proper precautions.
Actual temperatures hover near minus 2 early today. Sunshine returns this morning, helping highs climb toward 18 by afternoon. Even so, light winds keep wind chills near or below zero for much of the day. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads remain slick after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Cold tightens again tonight. Temperatures fall near zero, with calm conditions allowing rapid refreezing. Side streets, parking lots, and sidewalks may turn icy before dawn, especially where daytime melting occurred.
Thursday brings a modest improvement. Skies stay partly sunny, and highs reach near 20. Winds stay light, making it feel slightly more tolerable by afternoon. Still, winter holds firm, and cold pavement remains an issue.
Friday mirrors Thursday. Highs hover near 18, with another cold morning start. Conditions improve slowly later in the day, though early commuters should prepare for icy patches and bitter air.
The weekend offers gradual relief. Saturday tops out near 14 under partly sunny skies, still cold but calmer. Sunday improves further, with highs near 22 and quieter weather. No significant snow is expected locally through the weekend.
This cold spell ties back to Arctic air locked across the Midwest and Great Lakes, now heavily ice-covered. That setup allows frigid air to linger longer across the Ohio Valley.
Dress in layers today. Cover exposed skin, watch for flash freezing, and allow extra travel time this morning. How cold did it feel where you were heading out today?
Five-Day Outlook for Cincinnati, Ohio
- Today: Mostly sunny, bitter cold, high near 18°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 20°F
- Friday: Partly sunny, cold, high near 18°F
- Saturday: Partly sunny, very cold, high near 14°F
- Sunday: Partly sunny, moderating, high near 22°F
