A pale, frosty haze hangs over Wilmington this morning, turning headlights into glowing halos along icy stretches of I-71 and Route 68. It’s a classic December mix — freezing fog, light snow, and just enough chill to make the roads slick.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington warns of patchy freezing fog and light snow continuing through the early commute. Though accumulations will stay under a half inch, untreated surfaces could glaze quickly. Reduced visibility in rural valleys and open fields is already affecting morning travel.
Temperatures hover near 27°F, with calm winds adding to the still, icy air. By midday, drier air arrives, and skies may brighten slightly as the fog lifts. However, wet surfaces could refreeze late tonight as lows tumble back to the teens — a setup ripe for black ice on bridges and overpasses Friday morning.
Friday looks calmer but cold, with highs near 31°F under partly sunny skies. The next system builds late Sunday into Monday, bringing a 30–50% chance of snow or rain mix across southern Ohio. Long-range models are already hinting at stronger Arctic fronts and snow events between December 11–17, especially for Great Lakes and Ohio Valley commuters ahead of the holiday rush.
For now, slow down, keep headlights low in fog, and avoid sudden stops on slick pavement. The freeze-thaw cycle is in full swing, and winter’s grip is just beginning.
Five-Day Outlook (Wilmington, OH):
- Thursday: Light snow/fog early; high 29°F, low 10°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 31°F, low 20°F.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high 35°F, low 23°F.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high 32°F, low 16°F.
- Monday: Cloudy, chance of snow or mix, high 36°F.
