Ohio weather turns uneasy as damp air meets colder ground. Wet streets glisten before sunrise, clouds thicken, and a subtle chill signals a developing winter shift across the Cincinnati metro.
Mild conditions hold early today, with highs climbing into the mid-40s. That warmth won’t last. Rain spreads in Thursday, increasing through the afternoon and evening. Winds remain breezy, pushing moisture across the region and keeping pavement slick.
Late Thursday night, colder air sweeps in quickly. Rain may briefly mix with or change to snow, especially north and east of Cincinnati. Accumulations look light, but timing raises concern. Temperatures drop rapidly toward freezing, setting up a flash freeze scenario by early Friday.
That transition matters most for travel. I-71, I-75, I-275, and river bridges could turn slick fast. Even untreated side streets may glaze over before the morning commute. Motorists should plan extra time and slow down early, not after conditions worsen.
By Friday, skies partially clear, but cold air locks in. Highs struggle near 32 degrees, keeping icy spots intact through the morning. Winds ease slightly, though shaded areas may remain slick well into midday.
The weekend trends calmer. Saturday turns partly sunny and milder, with highs near 48 degrees. Sunday stays dry and seasonable, topping out in the low-40s. While no major snowstorm appears imminent locally, meteorologists note models hint at colder patterns deeper into December.
Looking ahead to Christmas Travel, the region enters a more stable stretch. Roads improve, but overnight lows near freezing mean refreeze risks linger. Keep an eye on late-week temperature swings if traveling before dawn.
Five-Day Outlook for Cincinnati
- Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 45
- Thursday: Rain developing, breezy, high near 55
- Friday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 32
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 48
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 43
