Ohio wakes to soft gray skies and damp pavement, with fog hanging low across the Cincinnati metro. Headlights glow through mist as early holiday drivers move cautiously along neighborhood roads and river crossings.
Patchy fog continues to reduce visibility this morning, with some areas dropping to one mile or less. Calm winds allow fog to linger longer than usual. Drivers should expect fluctuating visibility, especially along the Ohio River and low-lying corridors. Wet pavement adds to the cautious feel during early Christmas Travel hours.
Conditions gradually improve later today. Clouds remain dominant, but visibility increases as fog thins by late morning. Temperatures rise toward the upper 50s, unusually mild for December, keeping icing concerns low for daytime travel.
Rain chances increase Friday, with periods of steady rainfall likely by late morning into the afternoon. Roads turn slick but manageable, and temperatures stay well above freezing. Friday night brings quieter conditions, offering a brief break for travelers heading out early Saturday.
The weekend forecast turns more dynamic. Saturday stays mostly cloudy and mild, with highs near 56 degrees. That window may offer the best travel conditions before a stronger system arrives.
By Sunday, showers become more widespread, and winds strengthen noticeably. Gusts increase through the afternoon, and wind speeds may exceed 40 mph Sunday into Monday. Loose holiday decorations, lightweight luggage, and high-profile vehicles could be affected.
Colder air follows quickly. Sunday night temperatures fall toward the upper 20s, raising concerns for black ice on untreated roads where rain lingers. Monday turns colder and breezy, reinforcing a late-December Winter pattern.
Meteorologists are tracking wind impacts closely. Conditions may deteriorate quickly Sunday evening. Plan extra travel time, secure outdoor items, and stay weather-aware as post-Christmas travel ramps up across the Ohio Valley.
