Honestly, if you're looking at the sky in Jackson today, you’re probably seeing a whole lot of gray. That's just January in the 45640. Right now, it is a crisp 20°F outside, though with that southwest wind kicking at 4 mph, it actually feels more like 14°F.
It’s cold. Really cold.
But here’s the thing: people usually get Jackson’s winter all wrong. They think it’s just one long, flat line of freezing temperatures. In reality, it's more like a rollercoaster that forgot where the brakes are. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’re looking at a high of 26°F and a low of 18°F. Mostly cloudy during the day, shifting to full-on cloudy tonight. You might see a stray flake or two—there's a 10% chance of snow—but don't go digging out the heavy-duty shovel just yet.
The Weird Truth About Jackson Winters
Most folks assume the "Arctic Blast" is a rare event. In Jackson, it’s basically a Tuesday. January is officially the coldest month of the year here, and the numbers don't lie. While the average high sits around 40°F, we frequently dip into the teens.
You've probably noticed that the air feels different here than it does up in Columbus or down in Portsmouth. We get this specific brand of humid cold. With humidity sitting at 54% today, that chill doesn't just hit your skin; it settles into your bones.
What the Forecast Actually Means for You
If you’re planning to head out to Lake Katharine or just running to the store, keep a few things in mind about the weather Jackson Ohio 45640 is throwing at us this week:
- Layering isn't optional: With a "feels like" temp of 14°F, a single heavy coat usually isn't enough. You need that base layer to trap the heat.
- The Wind Factor: Today’s wind is mild at 4 mph, but don't let that fool you. Southwest winds in this valley can pick up fast, and when they hit 10 mph later tonight, that 18-degree low is going to bite.
- Visibility: It’s "clear with periodic clouds" tonight. Sounds pretty, but it means black ice is a sneaky possibility on the backroads where the sun hasn't hit the pavement.
Basically, the 45640 is currently in a holding pattern. We aren't seeing the massive snow dumps that hit us back in the historic January 2025 storm, but we aren't exactly in t-shirt territory either.
Why the 45640 Zip Code is a Weather Magnet
Jackson County sits in a spot where the Ohio Valley weather patterns love to collide. You get the moisture coming up from the south hitting that cold Canadian air moving down. The result? Total unpredictability. One day you’re dealing with a 20°F freeze (like today), and the next, a warm front could push us into the 40s.
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Expert meteorologists often point to our elevation and the rolling hills as a reason for these micro-climates. You might have clear skies in downtown Jackson while someone out by Leo Petroglyphs is getting dusted with snow.
Your Immediate Action Plan
Since we're looking at a steady cold snap with lows staying in the high teens tonight, it’s time to do the "Jackson Winter Check."
- Check the pipes: If you're in an older farmhouse or a spot with exposed plumbing, keep those taps dripping. 18°F is low enough to cause headaches.
- Pet Safety: If it's too cold for you to stand outside in a light jacket for ten minutes, it's too cold for the dog. Bring them in.
- Tire Pressure: Cold air makes your tire pressure light pop on like clockwork. Give them a check before your Monday morning commute.
The weather Jackson Ohio 45640 provides today is typical, but typical here still requires a bit of respect. Stay warm, keep an eye on those clouds, and maybe grab an extra coffee.
Next Steps for Jackson Residents:
Check your vehicle’s antifreeze levels tonight before the temperature hits that 18°F low. If you haven't swapped your wiper fluid for a de-icing blend yet, today is the day to do it before the next round of periodic clouds brings more humidity and potential frost.