If you’ve lived in Cincinnati’s 45219 area code for more than a week, you already know the vibe. One minute you're walking through Burnet Woods in a light jacket, and the next, you’re sprinting toward the University of Cincinnati campus because a random snow squall decided to turn Jefferson Avenue into an ice rink. Honestly, the weather here doesn't just change; it has a bit of an identity crisis.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re firmly in the "deep freeze" phase. The temperature is sitting at a crisp 18°F, but with that west wind kicking at 9 mph, it actually feels like 7°F on your face. That’s the classic Cincy winter "slap" for you.
Why 45219 is its own weather world
Most people just check the general "Cincinnati" forecast and call it a day. That’s a mistake. The 45219 zip code—covering Corryville, Clifton Heights, and parts of Mt. Auburn—sits on a literal hill. While the folks down in the Ohio River basin might just be dealing with some mist or fog, we’re up here catching the full brunt of the wind coming off the plateau.
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It’s colder up here. Always.
Basically, if the National Weather Service in Wilmington says it’s going to be "chilly," you should probably assume 45219 is going to be "arctic."
The current breakdown for today and tonight
Today, Sunday, is looking pretty grey. We’re expecting a high of 26°F and a low of 14°F. Cloud cover is the name of the game, with a 15% chance of snow during the day, jumping up to 20% tonight. It’s that fine, powdery stuff that doesn't really stick but makes the steps at the UC library incredibly annoying.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is going to be even more brutal. While the sun will finally make an appearance, don't let it fool you. We’re looking at a high of only 21°F and a low of 8°F.
The wind is the real story for Monday. It’s going to be howling from the west at 16 mph. If you’re planning on walking from Corryville over to Ludlow, just... don't. Or at least wear the heavy wool socks.
Survival tips for the hilltop
Let's get real about the next few days. The humidity is hanging around 48% to 65%, which in the summer means "swamp," but in January means "bone-chilling dampness."
- Watch the black ice: Tuesday morning is going to be a nightmare for commuters. We're hitting a low of 8°F Monday night, and everything that melted slightly on Saturday will be a solid sheet of glass.
- The "Mid-Week Melt": Wednesday, January 21, is our weird outlier. The high is forecasted at 41°F. You’ll see people in shorts. Please don't be that person; it’s still going to be 25°F that night.
- Layers over logic: In 45219, you need three layers. A base layer for the heated buildings, a mid-layer for the walk, and a windbreaker because the wind on Martin Luther King Dr is relentless.
What’s coming next?
Looking ahead, we’re seeing a pattern of "clipper" systems. These are fast-moving storms that drop a little snow and a lot of cold air. By Friday, January 23, we’re back up to 39°F, but there’s a 35% chance of snow showers that night. Saturday, January 24, looks like the first real "snow day" potential with a 35% chance of light snow all day.
The biggest thing to remember about weather cincinnati oh 45219 is that the hill changes everything. The elevation means we stay frozen longer than the Bengals' Super Bowl hopes (too soon?).
Honestly, just keep an eye on the wind chill. That 7°F "feels like" temp we have right now isn't a joke—it's the kind of cold that turns a 10-minute walk into a survival mission.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your car battery tonight. These single-digit lows on Monday and Tuesday are prime time for dead batteries, especially if you’re parked in one of the exposed garages around the hospital or university. Also, if you’re a landlord or a renter in one of those older Clifton houses, keep the taps dripping. We’re hitting 8°F two nights in a row, and those 100-year-old pipes in 45219 aren't exactly built for the tundra.