The cold hits fast and hard across Ohio this morning, with biting air stinging exposed skin before sunrise. Frost coats windshields, breath hangs thick, and untreated roads feel slick in spots as winter asserts control early in December.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. today for southwest Ohio and nearby parts of Indiana and Kentucky. Wind chills dropped as low as 5 to 15 degrees below zero, creating a real risk of frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
Temperatures around Wilmington hovered near -2 degrees early, with wind chills closer to -15. Officials urge residents to dress in layers, cover faces and hands, and limit time outdoors this morning. Drivers should allow extra time, especially on bridges and shaded roads where black ice can linger after sunrise.
Conditions slowly improve later today as sunshine returns, but the cold remains stubborn. Afternoon highs reach only the lower 20s. By Tuesday, temperatures rebound into the mid-30s under sunny skies, helping thaw roads but creating a setup for flash freezing once temperatures dip again after sunset.
By Wednesday, highs climb near 40 degrees as clouds increase. That warmer push sets the stage for rain chances late Wednesday night into Thursday. With ground temperatures still cold, early precipitation could briefly mix with wet snow before changing to rain, especially north of I-70.
Looking ahead to the extended period, Thursday turns breezy and wet with highs near 50. Cooler air returns Thursday night, bringing a chance for rain to change back to snow. Friday trends colder but dry, while the weekend brings another round of unsettled weather with temperatures hovering near freezing at night.
Residents should stay weather-aware as December patterns grow more volatile. Winter travel impacts can develop quickly this time of year.
Five-Day Outlook:
• Today: Mostly sunny, high near 22. Wind chills below zero early.
• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 34.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 39.
• Thursday: Rain likely, breezy, high near 50.
• Friday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 29.
