Damp pavement glistened under a dreary sky Thursday morning, as winter softly established in across the state. While temperatures rose out of the 20s early, the main worry today is timing. Rain resumes tonight, and with colder air close, drivers should be cautious of slick areas during early commutes.
According to the National Weather Service, rain will fall throughout southwest and central Ohio late today and continue into Tuesday. Wilmington and Clinton County remain squarely in the rainy zone, with highs reaching the mid-40s today and rising to the low-to-mid 50s Tuesday. This evening, southeast winds will rise, and visibility on U.S. 68 and State Route 73 may be reduced at times.
By Tuesday night, temperatures had dropped into the mid-30s. That delay matters. Any remaining moisture on untreated roadways may refreeze after sunset, particularly on rural routes and bridge decks. Crews will monitor problem areas, but drivers should slow down and leave additional space.
Wednesday comes a Christmas Eve tease. Clouds thicken again, rain chances increase, and highs reach the low 50s. The first official week of winter has seemed mild, but meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the overall pattern. A warm-to-cool shift later this week could turn rain into a wintry mix in areas of Ohio, signaling that winter is still on its way.
For the time being, plan to travel during daylight hours wherever feasible, keep your headlights on in the rain, and be prepared for changing conditions after dark. Midweek holiday traffic rises, and even brief freezing spells can easily lead to black ice.
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