Cincinnati Weather Radar
Cincinnati Live Weather
Cincinnati Live Weather Radar
Cincinnati Hourly Weather Forecast
Cincinnati 7-Day Weather Forecast
Cincinnati Weather Overview
Cincinnati's humid continental climate and location in the Ohio River Valley create a dynamic weather environment where severe thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, and ice storms are recurring threats. The Cincinnati weather radar tracks precipitation moving across southwestern Ohio and the tri-state region, providing critical early warnings for residents planning outdoor activities or commuting across I-71, I-75, and the Brent Spence Bridge.
Ohio River flooding is the city's most persistent weather threat. The 1937 Great Flood remains the worst on record — the river crested at 80 feet (27 feet is normal) and submerged downtown districts under 10-15 feet of water. The 1997 flood caused widespread evacuations across six states. Flash flooding from intense thunderstorms also strikes regularly, overwhelming drainage systems in paved urban areas within an hour.
Tornado season peaks from March through July. The 1974 Super Outbreak on April 3-4 produced 148 tornadoes across 13 states, including multiple touchdowns around Cincinnati and the catastrophic F5 tornado that devastated Xenia, Ohio, killing 34 people. Ice storms and winter weather are also recurring hazards, with freezing rain coating roads and power lines. Cincinnati averages 42.24 inches of rainfall annually and about 22 inches of snow, making doppler weather radar Cincinnati residents' most important tool for tracking fast-moving storms.
Cincinnati Weather Risks & Safety
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is Cincinnati's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Cincinnati regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Cincinnati, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Tornado Risk
Tornadoes hit Cincinnati hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Cincinnati averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.
Ice Storm Risk
Ice storms are rare in Cincinnati but devastating when they hit. A quarter-inch of freezing rain coats everything — roads turn into skating rinks, power lines snap, trees come down. The radar shows whether you're getting rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow — that distinction is critical. When Cincinnati gets an ice storm warning, stay off the roads and prepare for power outages that could last several days.
How to Use Cincinnati Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
View the real-time weather status at the top of the Cincinnati radar page — it shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions for the Greater Cincinnati area along the Ohio River Valley.
Watch the Radar Map
The radar map displays precipitation and cloud cover moving across Cincinnati and the tri-state area. Toggle between the two views and hit play on the animation to see storm movement and direction across the Ohio River.
Review the Hourly and 7-Day Forecast
Scroll down to check the hour-by-hour forecast and 7-day outlook. Look for severe thunderstorms, flooding potential, or ice storms in the next few hours or days that could affect Cincinnati's weather-dependent activities.
Plan Around Cincinnati Weather
Rain moving in? Reschedule outdoor plans. Severe weather season approaching? Check back more often — Cincinnati weather can shift fast during spring tornado season and winter ice storm periods.
Who Benefits from Cincinnati Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Cincinnati commuters crossing I-71, I-75, and the Brent Spence Bridge face sudden severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. Check the radar before your drive to see where heavy rain is hitting and whether storms will reach your route through the Ohio River Valley.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Runners along the Ohio River Trail and cyclists on the Little Miami Scenic Trail should check the hourly forecast before heading out. Spring storms can develop fast across southwestern Ohio, and the radar shows them 30 minutes before they reach Greater Cincinnati.
Event Planners & Families
Planning an outdoor event at Great American Ball Park or Smale Riverfront Park? The 7-day forecast helps pick the best day. On event day, the radar shows exactly when storms will roll across downtown Cincinnati and the riverfront.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews across Cincinnati's growing metro — check the radar before scheduling outdoor pours or roofing work. Ohio River Valley thunderstorms bring damaging hail, lightning, and sudden downpours with very little lead time.