Columbus, OH – The National Weather Service in Wilmington is warning Ohio residents to brace for bitterly cold air overnight into Friday morning, with wind chill values near zero expected across much of west-central Ohio.
According to the latest forecast, areas including Dayton, Sidney, Lima, Columbus, and Chillicothe will experience the coldest conditions between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday, when Arctic air combines with brisk northwest winds. Actual air temperatures will fall into the teens, but wind chills will make it feel as low as 0°F in some areas.
The NWS advises residents to bundle up, wear layers, and limit time outdoors, warning that prolonged exposure could lead to frostbite on exposed skin. Those traveling early Friday should also prepare for icy roads and reduced visibility from lingering patchy fog.
While the extreme cold will be brief, forecasters expect temperatures to rebound into the upper 20s and low 30s by Friday afternoon, with a gradual warming trend into the weekend.
