Ohio wakes up under a brittle, dangerous cold, where the air stings exposed skin and metal surfaces burn to the touch. Car engines groan, breath freezes fast, and sidewalks crackle with frost.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect across much of central, southwest, and west-central Ohio through midday. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, wind chills have plunged as low as 28 below zero in parts of the region. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions.
In Cincinnati, temperatures sit near minus 6 degrees early this morning, with wind chills well below zero. Conditions are calm at times, but the cold remains dangerous regardless of wind. Roads are mostly dry, though untreated surfaces, bridges, and ramps along I-71, I-75, and I-275 may remain icy from previous freeze cycles.
A Cold Weather Advisory follows later today and continues through early Sunday. Wind chills are expected to remain as low as 14 below overnight, keeping risks elevated for anyone outdoors. Residents are urged to limit time outside, dress in layers, and protect pets, pipes, and exposed plumbing.
Sunday brings a modest improvement. Sunshine returns, and highs climb into the mid-20s, though it will still feel cold. Any melting during the afternoon may refreeze quickly after sunset, creating slick travel conditions into Sunday night.
Looking ahead, a weather system arrives midweek. The National Weather Service notes snow chances developing Tuesday into Wednesday, with light accumulations possible. Another system late in the week could add additional snow, though confidence on amounts remains low.
The broader pattern keeps winter locked in place across Ohio into the first week of February. Arctic air remains nearby, and temperature swings will continue to stress roads, pipes, and power systems.
How cold did it feel when you stepped outside this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Cincinnati, OH
• Today: Partly sunny, extreme cold; high near 17
• Sunday: Sunny but cold; high near 24
• Monday: Mostly cloudy; high near 32
• Tuesday: Chance of snow; high near 33
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, colder; high near 27
