Honestly, if you're checking the chillicothe ohio weather forecast 10 day looking for a predictable Ohio winter, you’re probably going to be disappointed. January in the Scioto Valley is less of a season and more of a mood swing. Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we’re staring down a textbook example of why local weather geeks call this place "the mixing bowl."
The ground is already holding onto that damp, bone-chilling cold that only 92% humidity can provide. Today started with light snow and a high of 34°F, but don't let that "above freezing" number fool you. With a 9 mph wind coming off the southwest, it feels more like 27°F. It's that specific type of Ohio gray where the sky looks like a wet wool blanket and your car never truly feels warm.
The Big Chill: A Week of Single Digits
People often think the "hills" protect Chillicothe from the worst of the Arctic blasts. Kinda. Mostly, they just trap the cold air in the basin. By Monday, January 19, we’re looking at a serious plummet. We’ll struggle to hit 24°F for a high, and the overnight low is dipping to a nasty 8°F.
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Tuesday is actually the "peak" of this cold snap. We’re talking a high of only 23°F and a low of 9°F. The silver lining? It’ll be sunny. But it's that deceptive winter sun that offers zero warmth—the kind that makes the snow glare so bright you need sunglasses just to walk to the mailbox.
Here is the breakdown of what the next several days look like in the valley:
Saturday, Jan 17: Light snow transitions to partly cloudy. High of 34°F, low of 17°F.
Sunday, Jan 18: Mostly cloudy and colder. High drops to 25°F, low of 16°F.
Monday, Jan 19: Partly sunny but windy (16 mph gusts). High 24°F, low 8°F.
Tuesday, Jan 20: Full sun. High 23°F, low 9°F.
The Mid-Week "Warm-Up" Trap
Wednesday, January 21, is where things get messy. This is the part of the chillicothe ohio weather forecast 10 day that catches commuters off guard. The temperature is projected to jump to 38°F. On paper, that sounds like a relief. In reality, it means we’re trading dry snow for a "rain and snow" mix.
With wind speeds hitting 17 mph from the south, it’s going to be a slushy, windy mess. If you're driving up US-23 toward Columbus or heading out toward Western Avenue, watch the bridges. They’ll freeze long before the actual road surface does.
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Looking Toward Next Weekend
By the time we hit the end of the 10-day window, the "Polar Vortex" signals that meteorologists have been watching are starting to show their teeth. Friday, January 23, stays relatively quiet at 36°F, but then the snow returns in earnest.
Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, are looking like prime "stay inside" weather. We’ve got snow and snow showers forecasted for both days, with highs struggling to stay in the high 20s. Saturday’s high is 29°F, and Sunday drops further to 26°F.
Historically, Chillicothe averages about 3 inches of precipitation in January, usually spread out over 13 days of "events." This year, we’re seeing a high frequency of low-accumulation events. It’s not one big blizzard; it’s a constant dusting that keeps the salt trucks on the road and your boots permanently salt-stained.
Why This Forecast Matters for Your Week
Basically, you've got three distinct weather "mini-seasons" happening in the next week and a half. First, the deep freeze through Tuesday. Then, the messy slush on Wednesday. Finally, the return to consistent snow by next weekend.
If you’re planning on doing anything outdoors—maybe hitting the trails at Great Seal or just walking around Yoctangee—Monday and Tuesday are strictly "thermal underwear" days. The wind chill is going to be the real story there. For those traveling, Wednesday is the high-risk day for black ice and visibility issues.
Keep an eye on the wind direction. When it shifts to the North on Monday, January 26, the high will drop back to 24°F with light snow. It’s a cycle.
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Next Steps for Your Week:
- Check your tire pressure today; these 30-degree swings in temperature will trigger your sensor.
- Stock up on salt or sand before the Wednesday rain-to-ice transition.
- Plan for extra commute time on Saturday, Jan 24, as the more consistent snow moves in.