Cincinnati, OH – A sharp drop in temperatures is expected across the Ohio Valley starting Monday night, as a Freeze Watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning. Residents from Cincinnati to Columbus are urged to prepare for lows between 22°F and 27°F, posing risks to sensitive vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service Wilmington Office, the alert goes into effect Monday night and spans much of central and southern Ohio, including cities such as Dayton, Chillicothe, and Wilmington. The advisory follows a weekend of severe storms and flooding across the region, adding to the volatile start of April.
Temperatures are projected to plummet well below seasonal averages, increasing the chance of frost damage. April’s typical overnight lows in the Ohio Valley usually remain in the upper 30s, making this cold snap particularly impactful for early planting and outdoor infrastructure.
Officials advise residents to bring potted plants indoors, cover garden crops, and insulate outdoor faucets and pipes to prevent damage. Those with agricultural operations or spring landscaping projects should take urgent precautions ahead of Monday night.
The freeze alert will be reassessed by Wednesday morning, but conditions are expected to gradually return to normal by midweek.
