Wilmington, Ohio – Ohio wakes to air that bites exposed skin, frost coating windshields, and breath turning visible in seconds. The cold feels heavy this morning, settling in with purpose as an Arctic blast tightens its grip across the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through midday, with a Cold Weather Advisory following into Thursday morning. Wind chills have plunged as low as 20 below zero in spots, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
Across central and southwest Ohio, including Clinton, Greene, Montgomery, and Fayette counties, temperatures hover near zero while winds add extra sting. In Wilmington, readings near 5 degrees below zero were reported early, with wind chills closer to minus 15. Roads may look dry, but melted snow refreezes quickly, creating slick patches on I-71, U.S. 68, and rural routes.
The Great Lakes are nearly 50 percent frozen, limiting moisture but intensifying cold air drainage. That setup supports lake-effect snow bands downwind and reinforces the deep freeze across the Midwest and eastern Ohio Valley. For now, skies stay mostly sunny, but the cold does not ease.
Tonight brings another hard freeze with lows near minus 3. Thursday and Friday stay brisk, topping out in the teens. By the weekend, sunshine helps, yet highs struggle near 11 on Saturday before a slow moderation begins Sunday.
Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and keep pets indoors. Flash freezing remains a concern wherever daytime melting occurs. Traveling later this week? Plan extra time and watch shaded roads.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, Ohio
Today: Partly sunny, high near 13
Tonight: Partly cloudy, low near -3
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 16
Friday: Partly sunny, high near 13
Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 11
