Columbus, Ohio – A warmer and wetter-than-normal weather pattern is expected to take shape across the Ohio Valley from Jan. 7 through Jan. 11, according to the latest outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
The 6–10 day temperature outlook shows a strong signal for above-normal temperatures across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and portions of Illinois and western Pennsylvania. Probabilities favor milder-than-average conditions throughout the period, continuing a trend of limited sustained cold across the region.
At the same time, the 6–10 day precipitation outlook indicates above-normal precipitation is likely across much of the Ohio Valley. This points to an active weather pattern with multiple systems capable of producing rounds of rain rather than a single prolonged event.
With temperatures expected to remain above seasonal averages, rain is favored over snow for most lower elevations, including major population centers along the Interstate 70 and Interstate 71 corridors. Brief wintry mixes could still occur in northern or higher-elevation areas during nighttime hours, depending on individual storm tracks.
The Climate Prediction Center cautions that these outlooks describe overall trends, not specific daily forecasts. Short-lived colder air intrusions remain possible, but the dominant signal favors mild and unsettled conditions.
For commuters and travelers, the pattern may bring wet roads, reduced visibility, and periodic travel delays, particularly during heavier rain events. River levels may also respond to repeated rainfall, though no flooding signal is indicated at this range.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service as the Jan. 7–11 period approaches and forecast confidence increases.
