WILMINGTON, Ohio – The calm start to Thursday hides a quick weather turnaround coming for southwest Ohio. Skies remain bright early, but clouds will thicken and winds strengthen as a moisture surge from the lower Mississippi Valley races in. Friday’s system will deliver gusty rain, falling temperatures, and the first early hints of winter weather before the weekend wraps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, widespread showers will spread across southern and central Ohio on Friday, with gusts up to 30 mph. A few afternoon storms could bring brief downpours or damaging wind gusts, especially along I-71 and U.S. 68. Rain will taper by Friday night, but slick roads and wet leaves may still cause patchy travel delays.
Saturday turns calmer and briefly mild, but that break won’t last long. Another push of cold air arrives late Saturday with a chance of light rain returning. By Sunday, temperatures drop back into the 30s, and rain may mix with snow as the Arctic boundary deepens across the Ohio Valley. Light accumulation isn’t likely yet, but the region could see its first visible flakes of November.
Residents planning early Veterans Day events or weekend sports should stay weather-aware, as gusty winds and damp conditions may complicate setup or travel. Farther north toward Dayton and Columbus, colder air will grip the area by Monday, marking the first true fall-to-winter transition. Thanksgiving travelers are also advised to watch developing patterns, with another surge of Arctic air poised to arrive next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, OH:
Thu: 57/41 – Mostly sunny; clouds increase by late day.
Fri: 62/41 – Breezy rain; isolated thunder, gusts near 30 mph.
Sat: 60/38 – Mostly sunny; calm and cool.
Sun: 45/23 – Rain may mix with snow; much colder.
Mon: 36/24 – Partly sunny; early Arctic chill settles in.
