Weather
Columbus, OH Weather Alert: Freeze Warning Through Sunday Morning Oct 18
Wilmington, OH – A widespread Freeze Warning is in effect across southwestern and central Ohio Saturday night, October 17, as temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 20s and lower 30s. The ov
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-17T09:19:47.638Z
Wilmington, OH – A widespread Freeze Warning is in effect across southwestern and central Ohio Saturday night, October 17, as temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 20s and lower 30s. The overnight cold could damage sensitive plants and outdoor vegetation across communities including Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and surrounding areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the Freeze Warning covers its entire forecast area from Saturday night into Sunday morning, October 18. Temperatures are expected to approach or fall below freezing across much of the region, creating potentially damaging conditions for gardens, flowers and other vulnerable vegetation.
Forecast temperatures include approximately 33 degrees in Cincinnati, 32 degrees in Dayton, 32 degrees in Columbus and 31 degrees in Wilmington.
Farther north, temperatures could reach 30 degrees near Celina and Marysville, while Chillicothe is forecast near 30 degrees.
Freeze Warning Covers Multiple Ohio Communities
The warning extends across southwestern Ohio, central Ohio and neighboring portions of southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky.
Additional forecast lows include 30 degrees in Richmond, Indiana, 31 degrees in Sidney, Ohio, and 33 degrees near Maysville, Kentucky.
Residents should protect sensitive outdoor vegetation before temperatures fall Saturday evening. Potted plants can be moved indoors, while vulnerable gardens may benefit from protective coverings.
The coldest temperatures are expected overnight into early Sunday morning, when clear skies and diminishing winds can allow temperatures to fall rapidly.
Sunday Morning Brings Widespread Freeze Threat
The Weather Service's temperature forecast covers the period from 8 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday.
Although some urban locations may remain slightly above freezing, surrounding rural communities and sheltered locations could experience colder readings.
October 22–26 Extended Weather Outlook
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center favors above normal temperatures across Ohio and much of the Ohio Valley during October 22–26, suggesting a warmer pattern could develop following the weekend freeze.
The precipitation outlook also favors below normal rainfall across much of the region, indicating increased chances for a relatively dry period heading into late October.
These longer range outlooks do not provide exact daily temperatures or guarantee dry conditions.
For now, residents across southwestern and central Ohio should prepare for Saturday night's freezing temperatures and protect vulnerable vegetation before Sunday morning.