WILMINGTON, Ohio – A sharp fall chill greeted southern Ohio early Friday, but milder air and sunshine are set to reclaim the weekend. The first widespread frost of October brushed lawns and windshields before dawn, signaling a true autumn transition.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Frost Advisory expired at 9 a.m. Friday across much of east-central and southwest Ohio, including Clinton, Fayette, Warren, Butler, and Franklin counties. Temperatures dipped to near freezing, threatening tender vegetation and backyard gardens. Residents are urged to uncover protected plants gradually and continue watching morning lows for brief chill spots through early Saturday.
Warming will build steadily under clear skies this weekend. Highs climb back into the upper 60s Friday afternoon, reaching near 70 by Saturday and the low 70s by Sunday. Travel along I-71 and I-70 should stay smooth with no weather-related slowdowns expected. Farmers markets, fall festivals, and pumpkin patches will benefit from bright skies and light winds.
Forecasters note a stable pattern extending into early next week, with no rain in sight through Thursday. Early risers should still expect crisp mornings, but daytime warmth will dominate heading into mid-October—ideal for leaf peeping and outdoor events before cooler air returns later in the month.
