Ice, ice baby: Winter returns Wednesday night with freezing rain in the forecast

MANSFIELD — It’s back. As in winter.

As if it ever left.

A few decent winter weather days after a January arctic chill may have had some folks pining for an early spring, a claim supported by Buckeye Chuck on Sunday during annual Groundhog Day festivities.

As it turns out, Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter, may have been more accurate.

The National Weather Service office in Cleveland his issued a winter weather advisory from Wednesday at 10 p.m. until Thursday at 10 a.m. for a wide swath of Ohio, an area that includes Richland, Ashland and Knox counties.

It will be cloudy today with a high near 31 and east winds around nine miles per hour.

On Wednesday night, expect freezing rain, especially between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The transition to rain begins around then.

Total ice accumulations between one tenth and two tenths of an inch are forecast across portions of north central, northeast and northwest Ohio.

Yes, it make may travel conditions difficult, including the Thursday morning commute to work and school (unless schools are delayed and/or closed).

Freezing rain will begin transitioning to light rain early Thursday morning.

However, slick spots may linger through mid-morning as surface temperatures remain chilly in the mid-30s. Temperatures will warm into the 40s by early Thursday afternoon.

Here is your forecast Thursday night and beyond:

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 16 mph.

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 31. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Saturday

Rain or freezing rain after 1 p.m. High near 35. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Saturday Night

Rain before 1 a.m.. Low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday