Columbus, Ohio – A pronounced temperature shift is on the way for the Ohio Valley this weekend as a surge of colder air moves in, ending the recent stretch of milder January weather and setting the stage for a much chillier start to next week.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a broad cooldown will spread southeast from the Midwest beginning Saturday, with the Ohio Valley fully under colder air by Sunday. High temperatures across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and western West Virginia are expected to fall 15 to 25 degrees compared to late-week readings.
In central Ohio, including Columbus, highs that reach the 50s late this week will drop into the upper 30s to lower 40s by Sunday. Cincinnati and Louisville are expected to see similar changes, with daytime temperatures settling into the 40s and overnight lows falling into the 20s. Farther north across Indiana and northern Ohio, some areas may struggle to climb above the mid-30s during the day.
The colder air will be accompanied by northwest winds, making it feel colder during morning and evening hours. While widespread snow is not the primary signal at this time, the drop in temperatures increases the risk of refreezing on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads overnight.
Residents across the Ohio Valley are encouraged to prepare for colder mornings, protect exposed pipes, and allow extra travel time during early commutes. The cooler pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with additional cold air reinforcements possible as January continues.
