Wilmington, Ohio – Ohio wakes up locked in bitter cold as a sharp north wind cuts across frozen fields, rattling windows and numbing exposed skin within minutes. Pavement looks dry in spots, but slick patches hide in the shadows as temperatures struggle to rise.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through midday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory tonight into early Sunday. Wind chills across central and southwest Ohio are dipping between 15 and 25 degrees below zero, levels that can cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
Across the state, the cold snap is stressing utilities, freezing pipes, and creating hazardous travel conditions during early drives. In Clinton, Warren, and Montgomery counties, road crews are monitoring refreeze risk as daytime melting gives way to rapid evening ice. Wilmington drivers should use caution on U.S. Route 68 and State Route 73, where shaded stretches are prone to flash freezing.
The cold eases only slightly by Sunday and Monday, but remains disruptive. Highs stay below freezing, and overnight lows drop into the single digits. Light snow chances emerge by Tuesday, with another round possible later in the week as colder air reloads across the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
Longer-range signals show an active February pattern setting up. Arctic air remains nearby, while moisture tracks increase midweek, raising the risk for snow or a wintry mix that could impact commutes and school schedules.
Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Bring pets indoors and protect pipes now. Conditions remain fluid, and additional advisories may be issued as February weather takes shape. How cold did it feel where you are this morning?
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Wilmington, Ohio
• Today: Partly sunny. High near 14°. Wind chills as low as -19°.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 20°. Morning wind chills near -12°.
• Monday: Mostly cloudy. High near 29°.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High near 30°. Chance of snow around 30%.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny. High near 23°.
