Ohio – Damp pavement glistened under gray skies this morning as winter quietly settled in across the state. While temperatures climbed out of the 20s early, the bigger concern today is timing. Rain returns tonight, and with colder air nearby, drivers should stay alert for slick stretches during early commutes.
According to the National Weather Service, rain spreads into southwest and central Ohio late today and continues into Tuesday. Wilmington and Clinton County sit squarely in the wet zone, with highs reaching the mid-40s today and jumping into the low-to-mid 50s Tuesday. Southeast winds increase this evening, and visibility may drop at times on U.S. 68 and along State Route 73.
By Tuesday night, conditions briefly calm as temperatures dip into the mid-30s. That pause matters. Any lingering moisture on untreated roads could refreeze after sunset, especially on rural routes and bridge decks. Crews will monitor trouble spots, but drivers should slow down and leave extra space.
Wednesday brings the Christmas Eve tease. Clouds thicken again, rain chances rise, and highs surge into the low 50s. It feels mild for the first official week of winter, but meteorologists are watching the broader pattern closely. A warm-to-cool transition later this week could flip rain to a wintry mix in parts of Ohio, an early sign winter still has plans.
For now, plan travel during daylight when possible, keep headlights on in rain, and expect changing conditions after dark. Holiday traffic increases midweek, and even brief freezing spells can create black ice quickly.
More updates are likely as Christmas travel ramps up. Heading out? Tell us how roads look where you are.
Five Day Outlook for Wilmington, Ohio
Monday: Increasing clouds, high near 46
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with rain chances, high near 54
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, rain possible, high near 51
Christmas Day: Cloudy, scattered rain, high near 63
Friday: Mostly cloudy, rain chance, high near 64
