Honestly, if you just stepped outside in the Queen City, you already know the vibe. It’s that biting, damp cold that seems to settle right into your bones. As of early Saturday morning, January 17, 2026, the temperature in Cincinnati is sitting at a crisp 33°F.
But that number is a bit of a liar.
Because of a 10 mph wind coming in from the southwest, the actual "feels like" temperature is down at 26°F. If you’re heading out to Sharon Woods for the Great Parks Winter Hike series this morning, you’re going to need more than just a light puffer. The humidity is a staggering 91%, which explains why the air feels so heavy and the sky looks like a solid sheet of gray slate.
What the Radar is Actually Saying
We’ve been tracking a small but persistent 10% chance of snow right now. It’s mostly just flurries or that "misty" frozen stuff that doesn't quite commit to being a snowflake.
Basically, the city is caught in a transitional pocket.
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While the current conditions are overcast and gloomy, we’re looking at a high of 33°F for the day before things take a serious dive. Tonight, the clouds are expected to clear out, which sounds nice until you realize that without that cloud "blanket," the heat is going to vanish. We are plummeting to a low of 15°F overnight.
Cincinnati Weather Right Now: The Context You're Missing
Local meteorologists, including the team over at the National Weather Service, have been keeping a close eye on the Polar Vortex shifts we’ve seen throughout mid-January. If you remember January of last year, it was actually significantly colder—we’re talking record-breaking streaks.
This year? It's weirdly moderate by comparison, even if 33°F feels like an ice box.
Wait, check this out. On this exact day back in 1977, Cincinnati hit an all-time record low of -24°F. We are nearly 60 degrees warmer than the historical worst-case scenario. So, while your car might take an extra minute to defrost on your way to Findlay Market, it's nothing compared to the "Great Freeze" our parents still talk about.
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Why the Southwest Wind Matters
That 10 mph wind isn't just a breeze. It's pulling in just enough moisture to keep the precipitation chance at 20% for both the day and night cycles.
- Daytime: Cloudy, occasional snow flurries.
- Nighttime: Clearing skies, but the wind shifts to the west at 12 mph.
- Visibility: Currently holding at 10 miles, so driving conditions on I-71 and I-75 are clear, just damp.
If you're heading to the Cincinnati Zoo for the final stretches of the Festival of Lights, the ground is going to be slick. Not "black ice" slick yet, but definitely watch your step near the exhibits.
Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
Look, I’m not your mom, but don't ignore that 15°F low tonight.
The city has already activated extreme winter weather shelters because that kind of drop is dangerous for anyone stuck outside. If you’ve got outdoor pets, bring them in. Seriously.
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If you’re a runner like Barry Glendenning—who’s famously been chronicling his January miles—you’ll want those thermal base layers. The air is dry enough at the dew point of 26°F to make your lungs sting if you’re pushing a hard pace.
What Most People Get Wrong About January in Cincy
People think the Ohio Valley is just "constantly snowing" in January.
In reality, we get way more of this: "The Gray."
It’s that persistent overcast ceiling where the UV index is 0. You won't see the sun today. You likely won't see it much tomorrow either. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to stay at the Moerlein Lager House with a heavy stout and some fire performers.
Actionable Steps for Cincinnatians Today:
- Layer Up: Focus on wind-blocking outer shells. That southwest wind is the real enemy today, not the thermometer reading.
- Check the Pipes: With a low of 15°F coming tonight, make sure your cabinets are open if your kitchen is on an exterior wall.
- Plan for Sun: The forecast shows clear skies tonight. If you're an amateur astronomer, this is your window to catch a clear view of the winter stars, provided you can handle the freeze.
- Drive Smart: The 91% humidity means moisture is clinging to the roads. As temperatures drop toward the dew point, expect "bridge freezes before road" signs to be 100% accurate.
Stay warm out there. The Queen City is beautiful in the winter, but she’s got a bit of a bite today.