Issued: 8am on Thursday, January 22nd 2026
Technical Forecast Discussion
Key Messages:
- A low is expected to move up the East Coast Friday evening through Sunday, bringing the possibility for snow.
- As of this forecast, snow totals may be around 9-10 inches in Athens, however, this may change as we approach this event.
- Conditions will stabilize by Sunday evening, but temperatures will remain in the mid-20s for the remainder of the forecast and next week. This will likely prevent any snow accumulation from melting.
Short-Term Forecast (Thursday 01/22/2026 through Saturday 01/24/2026):
There is growing confidence of southeastern Ohio getting hit by this upcoming winter storm. Uncertainty still remains about the strength of both the surface, Canadian high that will move over the state, and the low sweeping up from the Gulf. Models are still in disagreement with the trajectory of this low as some forecast it to weaken as the high strengthens or broadens, pushing back much of the precipitation with it. However, some forecast that this low deepens and will punch up the East Coast, bringing a significant amount of snow with it. Currently, freezing rain and icy conditions are not confidently expected, however, the trajectory of this low will determine whether or not that verifies. The bulk of this system will likely hit by Saturday evening into early Sunday morning before exiting the region by Sunday evening. As of now, Athens may receive around 9-10 inches of snow during this event, but it is also quite likely that this amount could change as we approach this weekend. Other than this anticipated snow storm, conditions will stabilize Thursday and Friday as temperatures continue to fall. Gusty winds are expected to continue Thursday and Friday as well but will calm slightly by Saturday.
Long-Term Forecast (Sunday 01/25/2026 through Wednesday 01/28/2026):
As of right now, the heaviest snowfall amounts will have moved out of southeastern Ohio by sunrise, but likely will continue through the day on Sunday. Unfortunately, even once this low fully exits the region, daytime temperatures are unlikely to push past the mid-20s through the entirety of next week. Not only will this make travelling outside bitterly cold but will allow any accumulated snow to remain on the ground for an extended period of time. This could make travelling hazardous as slick spots may develop and linger. By Monday, clouds will begin to clear as high-pressure consumes much of the eastern United States, stabilizing the region through Wednesday. Clouds may return on Wednesday with a possible stray low moving over the state by this time. Confidence for any winter precipitation is quite low being so far out from this time. Overall, calmer conditions are expected by Sunday evening into Monday as temperatures continue to sit in the mid-20s.
