Ohio wakes up to crisp blue skies and a biting northeast breeze, but changes are already lining up for Wilmington and the Miami Valley. Sunshine dominates this morning with temperatures climbing toward 42 degrees, yet wet pavement and shaded back roads could turn slick later as colder air lingers near the surface. Drivers on I-71 and U.S. 68 should stay alert, especially where melting refreezes after sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, clouds increase late today with a 20 percent chance of light snow after 4 a.m. Monday. Lows dip near 27 degrees with east winds around 10 mph. That setup opens the door for brief slick spots before daybreak Monday.
By Monday afternoon, precipitation chances jump to 40 percent. A light wintry mix could develop before 1 p.m., then shift to rain after 4 p.m. Highs reach the low 40s. Any early flakes or sleet may create slushy stretches on rural roads. Plan extra travel time Monday afternoon.
Rain becomes steadier Monday night into Tuesday, with highs surging to 57 degrees Tuesday and near 66 by Wednesday. That rapid thaw raises flash-freeze concerns each evening where runoff refreezes on untreated pavement. Watch sidewalks and bridge decks.
March just began, and daylight will expand quickly ahead of the March 8 clock change. Even better, above-normal temperatures build late week into the 6- to 10-day outlook, signaling early spring warmth across Ohio.
Five Day Outlook for Wilmington, Ohio:
Monday: High 43°, chance of wintry mix then rain.
Tuesday: High 57°, rain likely.
Wednesday: High 66°, rain likely.
Thursday: High 68°, mostly cloudy with rain chances.
Friday: High 72°, chance of rain, mild.
