Weather
Western Ohio Thanksgiving Travel: I-70 Snow, Ice Risk Nov. 18–24
Columbus, OH – Thanksgiving travelers across western and central Ohio could face a wetter, more unsettled weather pattern from November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, possible snow, freezin
By Claire Benton · 2026-11-11T05:09:06.792Z
Columbus, OH – Thanksgiving travelers across western and central Ohio could face a wetter, more unsettled weather pattern from November 18–24, raising concerns about heavy rain, possible snow, freezing precipitation and slick highways during the days leading up to the holiday.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, its November 10 outlook favors above normal precipitation across portions of Ohio and the surrounding Midwest from Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24.
The broader precipitation pattern extends from the western United States through the central Plains and Great Lakes. Although the outlook does not confirm a specific winter storm, it raises the possibility of travel disruptions if developing weather systems bring precipitation into Ohio while temperatures fluctuate.
Columbus, Dublin and Central Ohio Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Grove City and surrounding Franklin County communities could experience periods of unsettled weather during the preholiday travel window.
Interstate 70, Interstate 71, Interstate 270 and U.S. Route 33 will be important highways to monitor as holiday traffic increases.
Rain is a likely precipitation type to watch, but snow or mixed precipitation could become a concern if colder air arrives during an approaching weather system.
Dayton, Kettering and Western Ohio Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, Centerville, Huber Heights and surrounding Montgomery and Greene county communities could face changing road conditions from November 18–24.
Interstate 75 and Interstate 70 are major regional travel corridors, carrying drivers between Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Indianapolis.
Heavier rain could reduce visibility, while falling temperatures could introduce the possibility of slick roads or freezing precipitation.
Springfield, Urbana and the I 70 Corridor Springfield, Urbana, London and surrounding Clark, Champaign and Madison county communities could experience periods of rain or mixed precipitation.
The Interstate 70 corridor between Dayton and Columbus warrants particular attention because of its importance to regional and interstate Thanksgiving travel.
If temperatures fall near or below freezing while precipitation develops, bridges, overpasses and untreated roads could become hazardous.
Lima, Sidney and Northwest Central Ohio Lima, Sidney, Piqua, Troy and surrounding communities could also experience unsettled weather during the November 18–24 period.
Travelers along Interstate 75, U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 33 should monitor updated forecasts for precipitation timing and temperatures.
Snow, sleet or freezing rain would depend on whether colder air overlaps with incoming moisture.
Delaware, Marysville and North Central Ohio Delaware, Marysville, Marion and surrounding communities could face periods of rain, with winter precipitation possible if temperatures become sufficiently cold.
U.S. Route 23, U.S. Route 33 and Interstate 71 are important routes for travelers heading toward Columbus and northern Ohio.
Thanksgiving Travel: Could Snow or Ice Affect I 70 and I 75? The wetter than normal outlook arrives ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, raising concerns about possible delays across western and central Ohio.
Rain and reduced visibility are immediate hazards to monitor. Snow, sleet and freezing rain remain possible if colder temperatures develop during periods of precipitation.
NOAA's accompanying temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across much of the region, meaning widespread snow or ice is not established by the current forecast.
The November 18–24 outlook measures the probability of above normal precipitation, not the probability of a specific snowstorm, ice storm or highway closure.
Travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and Ohio Department of Transportation road conditions as Thanksgiving approaches.