Columbus, Ohio – Ohio is bracing for an extended stretch of Arctic cold that will settle in from late January and linger into early February, bringing some of the harshest winter conditions of the season and little sign of meaningful relief before Valentine’s Day. From the Lake Erie shoreline to the Ohio River Valley, temperatures are expected to remain well below normal, with repeated surges of cold air reinforcing the chill.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor below-normal conditions across the Ohio Valley. Short- and long-range guidance continues to signal Arctic air repeatedly pushing south, keeping Ohio locked in a colder-than-average pattern as February begins.
In Columbus, daytime highs may struggle to climb out of the teens during the coldest stretches, while overnight lows frequently drop into the single digits. Cleveland, Toledo, and other northern Ohio communities face added stress from Lake Erie winds, with wind chills plunging below zero along I-90 and lakeshore neighborhoods. In Cincinnati and southwest Ohio, temperatures may run slightly milder, but overnight lows in the teens combined with gusty winds along the Ohio River will still create dangerous cold exposure. In northeast Ohio, including Akron, Youngstown, and the snowbelt, prolonged cold could compound travel issues where snowpack remains in place.
The extended cold raises serious concerns for frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for anyone working outdoors or dealing with power outages. Residents are urged to dress in insulated layers, limit time outside, bring pets indoors, and protect exposed plumbing. Drivers should carry winter emergency kits, especially when traveling rural roads or overnight.
While brief moderation is possible at times, long-range signals suggest Ohio’s Arctic cold may not fully ease until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories or warnings remain possible as this deep winter pattern continues across the Buckeye State.
