What will winter feel like in Ohio this year? Here’s what AccuWeather, NOAA experts say
Roaring fires, hot chocolate and a winter wonderland of snow and ice outside.
That’s probably what Ohio residents are used to during the winter season, but will this year be any different? Here’s what to know about the season’s forecast.
What’s the forecast for winter 2024 in Ohio?
Don’t get the fur coats out just yet. According to AccuWeather experts, this winter might not get too cold.
“As people prepare their skis and snowblowers with snow on their minds, AccuWeather forecasters predict that the season will be mild for most of the United States, similar to last winter, which was the warmest on record,” said Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist.
While temperatures may be mild at first, Ohio will soon cool down — and fast. Ohio can expect temperatures to be between two and three degrees higher than average at the start of the season, but then cold will set in.
AccuWeather experts are actually predicting more snowfall to come this season than last winter. This could also mean multiple snowstorms and frigid blasts of arctic air.
“A backend surge to winter will bring the potential for multiple snowstorms from the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and through the Northeast. The risk of snow may also be accompanied by the polar vortex,” said meteorologists.
So, what do other experts say?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts about the same temperature outlook with warmer patterns for most of the U.S.
But the NOAA forecast for winter includes wetter than average conditions for Ohio, while southern states will stay very dry.
Ohio is forecasted to get much more rain than average, contributing to potentially higher snowfall averages. So, when could the first snowfall be in Ohio?
According to a local news outlet, Ohio got its first snowfall on Oct. 31 last year, but the state typically doesn’t see snow until early to mid November. Here’s how the average timetable for snow looks:
- Cleveland – Nov. 10
- Akron/Canton – Nov. 9
- Youngstown – Nov. 5
- Mansfield – Nov. 18
When are you hoping to see snow in Ohio? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
