Ohio winter weather forecast: Cincinnati braces for first flakes and a sharp cooldown

A true taste of winter is set to arrive in southwest Ohio as a fast-moving system flips rain to wet snow late Sunday into early Monday, followed by the coldest air of the season so far. After a mild Saturday, temperatures tumble, wind swings northwest, and Cincinnati could see its first light accumulation—mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces—before daybreak Monday.

Cincinnati weather at a glance

• Saturday, Nov. 8: Mostly cloudy and mild, near 60°F. A few evening showers develop.

• Sunday, Nov. 9: Cooler with periods of rain, afternoon temps slipping toward the 40s.

• Sunday night: Rain showers mix with and change to snow, lows near 26–27°F. A dusting to about ½ inch is possible in spots, especially north and east of the city and on higher terrain. Roads trend mainly wet but watch shaded bridges and overpasses toward dawn.

• Monday, Nov. 10: Colder with flurries and wind chills in the 20s–30s. High around 36°F.

• Midweek moderation: Sunshine returns Wednesday with highs mid–upper 50s, more seasonable late week.

7-day forecast for Cincinnati (ET)

Forecast details are subject to routine adjustments as new data arrives.

What’s driving Ohio’s wintry turn

A sharp cold front sweeps across the Ohio Valley on Sunday, replacing Saturday’s mild air with a colder, drier northwest flow. Behind the front, lingering moisture and lift in the low levels will be just enough to wring out rain-to-snow showers Sunday night. Ground temperatures have been relatively mild, so significant road impacts are unlikely, but a quick dusting on untreated surfaces is on the table before daybreak Monday. As the upper trough departs, skies slowly brighten Tuesday into Wednesday while temperatures rebound.

Early winter signal for Cincinnati and Ohio

Looking at the broader winter pattern for December through February, the region leans near-normal on temperatures with a tendency toward wetter-than-normal episodes at times. For Cincinnati, that cocktail often yields frequent mixed-precipitation setups—rain-to-snow events, brief bursts of wet snow, and slick morning commutes even when major accumulations are limited. The average first measurable snowfall locally falls in late November, with the first inch commonly in mid-December; this week’s system is right on schedule for a first brush.

Impacts and prep tips

• Monday morning commute: Plan a few extra minutes. While primary roads should be mainly wet, elevated and untreated surfaces can glaze briefly where heavier showers flip to snow.

• Cold protection: Overnight lows falling into the mid-20s can stress outdoor plumbing and late-season vegetation. Detach hoses and protect sensitive plants.

• Wind chills: A modest northwest breeze will make 30s feel like 20s at times Monday; dress in layers if you’re out early.

• Midweek window: If you need outdoor work, Wednesday–Thursday offers the most pleasant conditions before the next system approaches late week.

What to watch next

Confidence is high in the Sunday PM → Monday AM rain-to-snow transition and the hard freeze that follows. Confidence is moderate in snow coverage and totals, which depend on how quickly low-level temperatures fall and where the most persistent showers set up. Beyond Monday, signals point to a quiet, milder midweek before clouds and a chance of light rain return Friday into the weekend.

Stay weather-aware Sunday evening as temperatures drop and the first flakes of the season try to fly over Greater Cincinnati.