Issued: 8am on Thursday, January 15th 2026
Technical Forecast Discussion
Key Messages:
- Snow flurries possible Friday and Saturday, but minimal accumulation is expected.
- Steep drop in temperature will occur on Thursday, but will warm slightly Friday and Saturday before plummeting once more on Sunday.
- Stable conditions to follow on Sunday.
Short-Term Forecast (Thursday 01/15/2026 through Saturday 01/17/2026):
A deep trough will remain over the region Thursday through Saturday as a cold front moved through overnight. This will allow temperatures to plummet into the mid-20s on Thursday. Gusty winds associated with the lingering effects of the low-pressure system that moved through on Wednesday will make temperatures on Thursday feel even colder. Thankfully, by Friday, Ohio will sit in the warm sector of another low, bringing temperatures back up into the mid-30s, though breezy conditions will still remain. Due to this low, moisture will move in which could bring snow flurries Friday and Saturday morning. These flurries may only result in a dusting of accumulation. As this low pushes through the region Saturday and fully exiting overnight Saturday, high-pressure will follow close behind by this time.
Long-Term Forecast (Sunday 01/18/2026 through Wednesday 01/21/2026):
A troughing pattern will continue Sunday through Tuesday, and with multiple cold fronts to cross over Ohio throughout these days, temperatures are expected to plummet once more. Sunday and Monday will likely see temperatures around the mid-20s while Tuesday could see even chillier temperatures in the upper teens. From yet another low moving through on Monday, winds will yet again become gusty, making it feel that much colder Sunday through Tuesday. Temperatures will thankfully warm slightly on Wednesday as the previous trough weakens. Precipitation is not likely to occur as a lack of sufficient moisture in the region, though clouds will remain. Other than the expected low-pressure system on Monday, high-pressure will be the dominate force during the long-term. Overall, generally stable conditions are likely during the long-term, albeit bitterly cold for the start of the new work week.
