Cincinnati, OH – Travelers across the Ohio Valley may face periods of cold rain, wet snow, or mixed precipitation during the Thanksgiving travel window, as long-range federal outlooks show a 40–50% or higher probability of above-normal precipitation across the region from November 23 through November 29. With temperatures expected to hover near the rain–snow line, storm timing will be critical in determining whether holiday travelers encounter rain or wintry conditions.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook, the northern Ohio Valley carries the strongest chance of seeing mixed precipitation. Northern Ohio, northern Indiana, and western Pennsylvania sit close to colder air filtering in from the Upper Midwest. Cities such as Cleveland, Toledo, Fort Wayne, and Pittsburgh may see rain transition to wet snow during overnight hours or behind passing systems.
The central corridor, including Columbus, Indianapolis, Dayton, and Louisville, sits in the heart of the temperature-sensitive zone. Cold rain is the most likely outcome for many daytime events, but even a slight shift in storm track could introduce a brief rain–snow mix, especially in the evenings or mornings when temperatures dip.
The southern Ohio Valley—including Cincinnati, Lexington, Evansville, Owensboro, and portions of eastern Kentucky—will likely experience predominantly rain. However, higher elevations in eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia may see brief wintry periods if colder pockets push in during the late-week timeframe.
Because the region’s temperatures sit so close to freezing, travel impacts remain possible regardless of precipitation type. Steady rainfall alone may reduce visibility, while any mix or wet snow could create slick patches. Major travel routes, including I-70, I-71, I-75, I-64, and the Ohio Turnpike, may experience slowdowns during peak travel windows.
Air travel delays are also possible at airports in Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Louisville, depending on storm timing and low cloud cover.
Forecasters expect more detailed storm-by-storm clarity early next week as short-range models begin to resolve incoming systems affecting the Ohio Valley.
