Columbus, Ohio – A surge of Arctic air is expected to spread across Ohio between Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, bringing a sustained period of colder-than-normal temperatures as a fast-moving clipper system reinforces a broader pattern shift across the eastern United States.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 6–10 day temperature outlook, Ohio is favored to experience below-normal temperatures during this period as a deep upper-level trough settles over the East. The colder pattern follows the breakdown of a recent mild stretch, driven by strong ridging across the western U.S. and Alaska that allows Arctic air to press southward into the Midwest and Ohio Valley.
Daytime high temperatures are expected to run several degrees below mid-January averages, while overnight lows fall sharply across much of the state. The coldest conditions are most likely across northern and western Ohio, where increasing winds behind the clipper system could produce noticeably colder wind chills, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Through Jan. 22, precipitation chances are expected to remain near normal for this time of year, with no strong signal for widespread snowfall during the core cold window. Forecast guidance suggests the incoming Arctic air mass will be relatively dry, limiting snow potential unless additional moisture becomes available. Any snow that does occur would likely be light and brief.
Looking beyond the immediate cold stretch, forecast outlooks indicate a 20% to 40% risk of heavy snow sometime during the Jan. 20–26 timeframe for portions of Ohio, particularly across northern Ohio. This signal extends into nearby regions of Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan. While confidence in exact timing and placement remains low, the colder pattern could support more impactful snowfall if storm systems track favorably across the region.
For Ohio commuters, students, and outdoor workers, the primary concern through Jan. 22 will be prolonged cold exposure and increased heating demand, with closer monitoring advised for potential snow impacts later in the period.
