Cincinnati weather is basically a mood ring that only comes in shades of gray this time of year. Honestly, if you’re looking at the cincinnati two week forecast, you probably already know the drill: parkas today, light jackets tomorrow, and a constant eye on the sky for white stuff. We are currently sitting in the thick of a classic Ohio Valley winter stretch where the air feels like it’s biting back.
Right now, the city is shivering at 20°F. With a southwest wind at 5 mph, it actually feels closer to 14°F. That's the kind of cold that makes you question why we live here until opening day at Great American Ball Park rolls around.
What the Cincinnati Two Week Forecast Actually Looks Like
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the next few days. Friday, January 16, is looking like the messiest part of the short-term outlook. We’re expecting a transition from light snow during the day to a more consistent snow overnight. The high will hit 39°F—which sounds warm compared to tonight—but that 35% chance of precipitation means things are going to be slushy.
By Saturday, the high drops back to 31°F. If you have plans to hit up Over-the-Rhine or catch a show, just know the wind will be pushing from the west at about 14 mph. It’s going to stay brisk. Sunday keeps that trend alive with a high of 27°F and a low of 16°F. Basically, it's perfect weather for staying inside with a bowl of chili.
The Deep Freeze Early Next Week
Monday, January 19, is where things get serious. We are looking at a high of only 19°F. That’s not a typo. The overnight low is projected to hit 9°F. It’s sunny, sure, but that’s "deceptive sun"—the kind that looks pretty through a window but offers zero warmth once you step outside.
Tuesday isn't much better, though the low dips even further to a bone-chilling 8°F. If you’re commuting or leaving the car outside, this is the window where batteries start to struggle and pipes need a little extra attention.
A Brief Break Before the Next Wave
Things start to thaw out, relatively speaking, by the middle of next week. Wednesday, January 21, brings us back up to 41°F. It’ll be mostly sunny, which should help melt off any lingering ice from the Monday/Tuesday freeze. Thursday, January 22, stays in that ballpark with a high of 40°F, though we might see some light snow showers return in the evening.
👉 See also: Christmas Boat Parade Newport Beach Photos: Why Your Camera Usually Fails and How to Fix It
Looking further out into the second week of the cincinnati two week forecast, the volatility remains the only constant.
- Friday, Jan 23: A high of 44°F with a 40% chance of snow at night.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Temps drop to 34°F with snow showers likely during the day.
- Sunday, Jan 25: A sharp return to the cold with a high of 24°F and a low of 4°F.
That Sunday low of 4°F is the coldest projected point in this entire window. It’s a reminder that late January is historically the coldest stretch for the Queen City. According to data from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), January 29 is typically the coldest day of the year on average, so we are right on schedule for the "Big Freeze."
Navigating the Ohio Valley Winter
The humidity is hovering around 59% tonight, but it’s expected to spike toward 76% by next weekend. High humidity in the winter makes that cold air feel "heavy" and damp. It’s the reason 30°F in Cincinnati often feels worse than 20°F in a dry climate like Denver.
If you're out and about, watch for the wind shifts. We’re seeing a lot of movement from the southwest and west, which usually brings in those quick-moving systems from the plains. These aren't necessarily "Great Blizzard of 1978" level events—though that legendary storm did happen in late January—but they are enough to make the 1-75 commute a headache.
Survival Steps for the Next 14 Days
Don't let the 40-degree days fool you into putting away the heavy gear. The swing from 44°F on Friday to 4°F on Sunday is a 40-degree drop in just 48 hours.
Check your tire pressure now; these temperature swings cause it to dip faster than you’d think. Also, keep the bird feeders full. The local wildlife struggles when the ground freezes solid like it will early next week.
Stay warm, keep the de-icer handy, and remember that February is just around the corner—even if it usually brings more of the same.