How cold is it? Friday temps break record set over 60 years ago

MIAMI VALLEY — Last night’s winter storm and today’s arctic cold has been some of the more impactful winter weather we’ve seen in the Miami Valley over the last few years.

>> Snowfall totals: How much did you get in your neighborhood?

According to the National Weather Service, if you are 30 years old or younger, you can’t recall a day this cold in your lifetime.

The transition from rain to snow was rapid. As the arctic front approached the region, Dayton went from 41 degrees with rain to low 20s with heavy snow over the course of 90 minutes. That temperature drop continued all the way through daybreak when Dayton fell to -9 degrees. That was a new record low, breaking the old record low of -8 set in 1960.

>> Snow Emergencies issued for area counties; What does it mean?

As of midday Friday, Dayton’s airport had recorded 2.7 inches. Snow measurements were difficult to verify due to blowing and drifting of snow, but generally ranged from 1 to 5 inches.

Blizzard conditions did not officially occur in Dayton, but did occur in Cincinnati. A blizzard means the combination of snow, winds sustained at 35MPH, and visibility of ¼ mile or less occurred for 3 hours. Conditions in Dayton and the Miami Valley could be considered “near blizzard” or “blizzard-like” at times Friday morning.

The main story from now through Christmas weekend will be the cold. The coldest wind chill recorded to far in Dayton was -36. Richmond, IN recorded a wind chill of -40. Wind chills of -20 to -30 can be expected through the weekend.

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