CINCINNATI, Ohio – Southwest Ohio will enjoy two more bright, mild fall days before a late-week pattern shift brings showers and cooler air by the weekend. Travelers on I-71 and I-75 should plan for slower drives and slick roads starting Saturday afternoon as rain returns to the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Thursday and Friday will feature abundant sunshine, calm winds, and highs topping out near 80°F — unusually warm for mid-October. The clear skies and mild breezes will make Thursday ideal for outdoor work, leaf cleanup, or early Halloween decorating. However, by Friday night, increasing clouds will signal the approach of a moisture-laden front moving in from the west.
Rain chances ramp up Saturday afternoon with a few isolated thunderstorms possible. Highs will again reach the low 80s before temperatures drop behind the front. Outdoor events and pumpkin patch visits should aim for Friday or early Saturday before the showers expand.
By Sunday, cooler air and lingering showers will dominate, keeping highs near 65°F. Fall foliage along the Ohio River and local parks should look especially vibrant between rain bands. Early next week brings a return to sunshine, though temperatures will stay closer to normal for late October.
Residents are urged to check for updated advisories before weekend travel and to secure outdoor decorations ahead of Saturday’s gusts. The next system marks the start of a more unsettled, cooler late-fall trend across southern Ohio.
Five-Day Forecast for Cincinnati, OH:
Wed: 71/48 – Mostly sunny; light north breeze.
Thu: 69/43 – Sunny and calm; pleasant fall day.
Fri: 81/52 – Mostly sunny; warmest day this week.
Sat: 81/57 – Showers and thunder possible; cooler late.
Sun: 65/46 – Scattered showers; breezy and cooler.
