Snow and cold have reached Mansfield
Snow and cold have reached North Central Ohio and will remain for the rest of January, 2026.
Bitter winds will become a health threat as the snow drifts deeper and temperatures fall toward an arctic weekend.
Thermometers will drop so low that Sarah Potes, director of the Richland County Emergency Management Agency, is warning people to go shopping while they still can.
“Now that we know the cold weather is coming again later this week, maybe run your errands Wednesday or Thursday when it’s going to be a little bit warmer,” Potes said.
The cold air will be most dangerous for people first responders “consider part of the vulnerable population,” like older adults, young children or patients who have have chronic illnesses and medical conditions.
“Try to think about limiting your exposure outside as much as possible,” Potes said. “Get your medications and get enough food ahead of time, that way you don’t have to go out and expose yourself to the extreme cold.”
Sub-zero temperatures in the weekend forecast
Highs for the next week begin with a reasonable 35 degrees Jan. 21, then drift to the mid-teens every day except Jan. 24, which is forecast to reach only 8 degrees at its warmest.
Overnight lows, though, are looking more bitter. They are expected to be 11 degrees Jan. 21, 16 degrees Jan. 22, minus-4 Jan. 23, minus-8 Jan. 24, 4 Jan. 25, 4 Jan. 26 and 5 Jan. 27.
Wind and snow is likely in sporadic fashion across North Central Ohio during the next week.
To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, residents of the Buckeye State should wear a hat, scarf or mask, water-resistant coat, mittens or gloves, several layers of loose clothing and water-resistant boots.
Patients can develop hypothermia even when the air temperature is above 40 degrees if they become chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dial First Call 2-1-1 if in need
Richland County is expected to have several warming centers available during the coldest nights.
“Some people try to keep their heat as low as possible so they don’t have a high heating bill,” Potes said. “Maybe they need to go stay at a friend or a family member’s house during these extreme cold times.”
If anyone realizes their situation has become dire, they are urged to dial First Call 2-1-1 and ask for help or guidance.
“I think a lot of people in our county don’t realize what a valuable resource 2-1-1 is,” Potes said. “I would recommend anybody, if they need any type of additional assistance and they don’t know what to do, to call 2-1-1.”
And everyone else, at least those warm and able, can help a relative or neighbor in need by checking on their well-being.
“Everybody needs somebody,” Potes said. “Check on them. Help them make a plan.”
Medicine, water, food, heat, shelter and more can all become life-saving necessities in just a matter of minutes for Richland County’s most vulnerable populations.
“They might be afraid to ask for help, but if you reach out to them, they might be so thankful and so appreciative of somebody reaching out,” Potes said. “Everybody needs a village, and checking on older adults and those with disabilities or medical conditions is so important.”
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