Ohio — Cold air bites early this morning as flags snap hard in the wind and bare trees creak across southwest Ohio. The day starts quietly, but conditions are already shifting fast, setting the stage for a sharp winter turn.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph today across parts of southwest and central Ohio. While skies stay mostly dry, those gusts may make driving tricky, especially on north–south routes like I-75 and I-71. High-profile vehicles could sway, and loose objects may be blown around.
Temperatures climb into the upper 30s and near 40 this afternoon, creating a brief thaw. That warmth will not last. As winds ease tonight, colder air moves back in, dropping temperatures into the 20s. Any wet pavement left behind could freeze after sunset, raising the risk of slick spots during late travel.
Thursday looks calmer but colder, with sunshine offering little warmth. By Friday night, an Arctic blast tightens its grip. Sub-zero wind chills are expected from Friday night through Tuesday, pushing conditions into dangerous territory during the overnight and early morning hours.
Snow chances return as the weekend approaches. Light accumulating snow is possible Saturday into Sunday, especially during periods of stronger cold air. Even minor snowfall could impact travel as temperatures remain well below freezing.
Plan ahead now. Secure outdoor items today, dress in layers later this week, and prepare vehicles for cold starts. If traveling this weekend, build in extra time and monitor road conditions closely.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook keeps much of Ohio below normal through late January, while storm chances increase across the central and eastern U.S.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, Ohio
- Today: Windy, chance of rain/snow mix, high near 40
- Tonight: Colder, low near 27
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 36
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, colder, high near 22
- Saturday: Chance of snow, high near 15
