After a quiet start to January, long-range forecasts are pointing to a potentially active winter pattern across the Ohio Valley and parts of the Great Lakes around January 18–19. Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky are emerging as key states to watch.
Pattern Signals
Ensemble guidance shows Arctic air pushing south while storm systems track out of the Plains and Midwest. This setup increases the likelihood of winter precipitation, though the exact type—snow, sleet, or a mix—remains uncertain at this range.
Forecasters note that this is a pattern-based signal, not a confirmed storm forecast, but repeated signals across multiple model runs suggest some form of winter weather is likely.
Core Areas of Concern
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Ohio: Central and southern regions
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Indiana: Central and northern counties
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Michigan: Interior and southern areas
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Kentucky: Northern and eastern portions
These locations sit near the boundary between colder northern air and milder southern air, where mixed winter precipitation often develops.
Important Considerations
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Ensemble snow maps are not final forecasts and shouldn’t be interpreted as exact totals.
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Small changes in storm track, timing, or strength could significantly alter outcomes.
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Multiple systems may move through, meaning several opportunities for winter weather rather than a single storm.
Next Steps for Residents
Forecasters will be monitoring:
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Storm track consistency
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Temperature profiles
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Snow versus rain potential
This is an early heads-up for residents in the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes. Details will continue to refine as January progresses.
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