Honestly, if you stepped outside in Cincinnati this morning, you probably felt that immediate slap of reality. We aren't in those weird, unseasonably warm December days anymore. It is definitely winter.
But here’s the thing: today’s weather in Cincinnati Ohio is a bit of a moving target. We are dealing with a classic "clipper" system dropping down from the Great Lakes. Most people see "snow" on their phone app and assume the city is about to shut down, but the reality on the ground is way more nuanced. It’s that annoying, grey, biting kind of cold that doesn't always look as dramatic as a blizzard but can be just as tricky if you’re driving toward Kenwood or heading down to the Banks.
The Cold Hard Numbers for Saturday
Let's get the stats out of the way so you know what you’re actually walking into. Right now, it's roughly 34°F out there. If that sounds manageable, remember the wind. With a southwest breeze hitting at about 10 mph, the "feels like" temperature is sitting much lower, closer to 27°F.
Basically, your car's thermometer is lying to you about how much you'll need that heavy coat.
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As we move through the afternoon, don't expect a big warmup. We are topping out at 34°F. It’s one of those days where the high and the current temp are basically roommates. The real shift happens tonight. The clouds are expected to clear out, which sounds nice until you realize that without that cloud "blanket," the heat just escapes into space. We’re looking at a plummet down to 15°F by tomorrow morning.
Will It Actually Snow in Cincinnati Today?
This is what everyone is texting their friends about. The short answer: yeah, probably, but don't go buying all the bread and milk at Kroger just yet.
The National Weather Service is tracking this clipper storm, and for Cincinnati, that usually means "periods of light snow" rather than a massive accumulation. Here is the breakdown of what to expect:
- Daytime: We’ve got a 10% chance of snow. It’ll mostly be those tiny, dry flakes that blow around and don't really stick to the pavement because the ground is still just a bit too warm.
- Tonight: The chance bumps up to 20%.
- The Hazard: Since the temperature is hovering right at that 32°F-34°F mark, the real danger isn't being buried in snow. It's the "slush-to-ice" transition. As the sun goes down and we hit that 15°F low, any moisture on the roads from earlier flurries is going to turn into a skating rink.
Bridges and overpasses around the Cut-in-the-Hill are going to be notorious for this. If you've lived here longer than a week, you know the drill.
Why This Forecast is Trickier Than It Looks
Weather in the Ohio Valley is notoriously fickle because of the river and the terrain. A "clipper" is a fast-moving system. It doesn't have a lot of moisture, but it brings a sharp drop in temperature.
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Experts at the Wilmington NWS office have been highlighting that these systems can produce "snow squalls." These are sudden, intense bursts of snow that can drop visibility to near zero in seconds. You’ll be driving fine on I-75, and suddenly, you can’t see the taillights in front of you.
Also, we’re currently in a negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation. In plain English? The "polar vortex" is wobbling, and it’s sending cold air our way. This isn't just a one-day cold snap; it's the start of a trend that’s likely to keep us shivering into early February.
Survival Tips for the Queen City Today
If you're heading out to a Bearcats game or just running errands, keep a few things in mind.
First, layers are non-negotiable. That 27°F wind chill is going to bite through a single heavy layer. You want a base that wicks moisture because the 87% humidity makes the air feel "heavy" and damp. It’s that wet cold that gets into your bones.
Second, check your tire pressure. These sudden drops—going from the 30s down to 15°F tonight—will make your "low pressure" light pop up. Don't panic; it's just physics.
Lastly, keep an eye on the wind direction. It’s coming from the west/southwest at about 12 mph. If you’re walking downtown between the skyscrapers, that wind is going to tunnel and feel significantly faster.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Salt your walkways now: Don't wait for the 20% chance of snow tonight. Any lingering dampness will freeze solid by midnight.
- Check your antifreeze: If your car hasn't been serviced for winter, today is the day to ensure your fluids are rated for those mid-teen temperatures coming tonight.
- Download the ALERTHC app: If you're in Hamilton County, it's the fastest way to get pinged if a snow squall warning is actually issued for our specific grid.