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How much longer will Ohio suffer this bitter cold weather? Here’s the forecast

By Sundi Rose
Snow and ice in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday. Extreme cold warnings are in effect from Texas and the Deep South northward through the Midwest and Ohio Valley and into parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through Wednesday.
Snow and ice in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday. Extreme cold warnings are in effect from Texas and the Deep South northward through the Midwest and Ohio Valley and into parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through Wednesday. WILLIAM DESHAZER NYT

According to Ohio’s groundhog, an early spring is on the way, which is excellent news for a lot of us.

This prediction comes from Buckeye Chuck, Ohio’s official state groundhog, who didn’t catch a glimpse of his shadow this year. This news could go either way, since his long-term accuracy is around 55%, even though some local folks often claim he hits 75% or higher.

While I don’t want to doubt Buckeye Chuck, I thought I might consult the experts, and here’s what I found.

How long will winter actually last?

Experts say:

  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts another Arctic blast in the second week of February, which will bring colder snaps through mid-month. Precipitation odds stay elevated, favoring more snow, rain, or wintry mix.
  • AccuWeather’s outlook shows a cold start with highs in the teens to 30s early in the month, gradually warming toward the 40s by late February. Later in the month, a warming shift kicks, with highs climbing into the upper 30s to low 40s by the end.
  • The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls for below-normal temperatures overall with snowier spells ramping up before a gradual warmup eases the deep freeze by late month.

What to expect in the coming weeks

Bundle up for now. Expect frosty mornings and chilly afternoons in the 30s and low 40s through mid-February, especially around Youngstown.

Spring warmup starts soon, though. Milder days are expected by late March, with April feeling reliably spring-like.

For March:

  • Steady warmup with highs pushing into the 50s.
  • Occasional cool snaps from lake-effect systems.
  • Temps near or slightly above average.
  • Mix of wet snow early, then rainy spells and dry stretches.

For April:

  • Warmer than average overall.
  • Plenty of 60-degree days.
  • Brief dips possible, but mostly mild.
  • Drier than usual with lower rain chances.
  • Scattered thunderstorms rolling through.

Buckeye Chuck’s early spring call lines up pretty well with the experts this time. Looks like we’re in for a shorter winter stretch after all.

How are you holding up with the cold in the Mahoning Valley? Ready for spring or enjoying the last of winter? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

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