Honestly, if you just looked at the thermometer this morning, you might think, "Eh, 18 degrees? I’ve seen worse." But the weather report in Cincinnati Ohio for this Sunday, January 18, 2026, tells a much grittier story once you step out the door.
Right now, it’s 18°F. That sounds like standard January fare for the Queen City.
The problem is the wind. We’ve got a 9 mph breeze coming out of the southwest, and in the Ohio Valley, that’s enough to make the "feels like" temperature tank all the way down to 7°F. That’s the kind of cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your chin and stays there.
What to expect for the rest of today
If you’re planning on hitting Findlay Market or grabbing a coffee in Over-the-Rhine, don't expect a massive warmup. We’re looking at a high of 26°F later today. It’s going to stay cloudy, which is basically the official state look of Cincinnati in the winter.
Here’s the breakdown of the numbers you actually need:
- High Temperature: 26°F
- Low Temperature: 14°F
- Humidity: Sitting around 66% currently, dropping to 47% later.
- Precipitation: 15% chance of snow during the day, bumping up to 20% tonight.
Basically, it’s a "keep the boots by the door" kind of day. We aren't looking at a massive blizzard, but with a 20% chance of flurries tonight, the side streets could get a little slick.
Why Cincinnati winters feel so weird
A lot of people think it's just the temperature, but it's the dampness. We’re right on the river. That 66% humidity makes the cold feel "heavy." It’s not that crisp, dry mountain cold; it’s a Cincinnati cold that sinks into your bones.
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The National Weather Service out of Wilmington has been keeping an eye on a clipper storm moving across the Great Lakes. While the bulk of it is staying north, we’re catching the tail end of those gusty winds and grey skies.
Tonight’s outlook
As we transition into Sunday night, the clouds will break just a little bit to become partly cloudy. But don't let the lack of clouds fool you—clearer skies at night in January just mean all the heat escapes. We’re dropping down to 14°F.
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If you’re heading out, the wind is shifting slightly to come from the west at about 8 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to keep that "real feel" in the single digits or low teens.
Surviving the January slump
The UV index is a big fat 0 right now, which is pretty typical for an overcast Sunday here. If you’re feeling that mid-winter sluggishness, you aren't alone. Most of the tri-state is under a blanket of grey.
Pro-tip for the commute: Even with a low 15% chance of snow, Cincinnati drivers know that "light flurries" can sometimes turn the hills in Price Hill or Mount Adams into a skating rink. Watch the black ice on the bridges over the Ohio River, especially as the temp drops to 14°F tonight.
Next steps for your day:
Check your tire pressure. These 20-degree drops in temperature are notorious for triggering that "low tire" light on your dashboard. Also, if you haven't dripped your faucets and you live in one of those beautiful (but drafty) old Victorian homes in Northside, tonight is the night to do it before that 14°F low hits.