Statewide pattern
A warmer southwesterly flow will push afternoon highs into the 40s and 50s statewide for much of the period from Sunday, Feb. 15, through Saturday, Feb. 21, with some southern locations briefly near 60 degrees midweek. Overnight lows mostly hold above freezing, especially from Central Ohio southward, limiting snow potential and favoring light rain or sprinkles when systems move through.
Northwest Ohio
Around Toledo and the western Lake Erie shoreline, temperatures remain coldest in the state but still trend a bit milder, with daytime readings generally in the upper 30s to low 40s and overnight lows in the 20s. Forecast guidance points to several dry, cloudy days mixed with a few light snow or rain chances, adding up to roughly five days with measurable snow over the broader two‑week period in February and total snowfall near 10 centimeters. Roads may turn slick at night and early morning where brief snow showers or refreezing occur.
Northeast Ohio
From Cleveland east into the primary snowbelt, February climatology still favors lake‑effect snow, but this week’s pattern leans more toward cold rain and mixed precipitation as temperatures oscillate from the low 30s at night to upper 30s and lower 40s during the day. Forecast data indicate three to eight days of rain over the month in the Cleveland area and continued “very cold” conditions by seasonal standards, though the mid‑month stretch moderates somewhat. Any lake‑effect bursts that do develop are likely to be brief and elevation‑dependent, with accumulations mainly on grassy and untreated surfaces.
Central Ohio
In and around Columbus, the week turns distinctly milder, with highs generally climbing from near 50 degrees Sunday into the 50s and lower 60s by midweek before cooler air returns next weekend. The extended outlook shows sprinkles and light rain Sunday, a mainly dry and cloudy Monday and Tuesday, then renewed shower chances Wednesday night into Friday, including periods of steadier rain Thursday and Friday and highs in the 60s. While flooding is not a primary concern at this point, several rounds of showers on already damp ground could lead to ponding in poor drainage areas late in the week.
Southwest Ohio
Cincinnati and the broader southwest quarter of the state will feel the warmest air, with long‑range data placing typical February highs near the low‑40s but showing day‑to‑day readings pushing into the 40s and 50s and occasionally higher during this mid‑month stretch. Historical and forecast data for February point to frequent precipitation, with roughly half the days seeing some rain and a generally “quite snowy” month overall, though this particular week favors rain events and a warming trend rather than frequent accumulating snow. Drivers should watch for periods of heavy rain at times—especially late in the week—reducing visibility and creating wet roadways.
Southeast Ohio
In the hills of Southeast Ohio, including Marietta and Athens, temperatures are expected to run similar to or slightly warmer than central parts of the state, with afternoon highs mainly in the 40s and 50s through the week and cooler nights in the 30s. Forecast and climatological data suggest a mix of sun and clouds with several chances for light rain, but only limited opportunities for accumulating snow as mid‑February trends milder in this part of the state. Rural and hilly routes could see patchy fog and damp stretches around sunrise following nighttime showers.