Columbus, OH – The calm start to this early December morning won’t last long. A developing winter weather pattern is taking shape across the Ohio Valley, set to bring gusty winds, rain-to-snow transitions, and bitter cold from Wednesday through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, the first system arrives Wednesday with wind gusts up to 45 mph and a rain–snow mix across central and southern Ohio. Roads could become slick by Wednesday evening as temperatures drop sharply into the 20s.
By Thursday night, another round of accumulating snow is expected to spread across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, potentially impacting Friday morning commutes. A third system is forecast to move in Saturday, bringing additional snow and subzero wind chills into Sunday morning. Meteorologists warn that travel could become hazardous, particularly on I-70, I-71, and I-75, where visibility may drop during heavier snow bursts.
Residents should secure outdoor decorations, avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods, and prepare for icy roads heading into the weekend. “It’s the first real taste of deep winter for much of the state,” forecasters said Tuesday morning.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 9–13)
- Wednesday: High 43°F, gusty winds; rain turning to snow.
- Thursday: High 32°F, snow chances late.
- Friday: High 34°F, light snow showers.
- Saturday: High 27°F, accumulating snow possible.
- Sunday: High 20°F, bitter cold with subzero wind chills.
