Ohio’s chances of a foot of snow in December

OHIO — As winter settles in, Ohio residents often wonder about the likelihood of a major snowstorm dropping a foot or more of snow in a single event.

While Ohio is no stranger to snowfall, the odds of experiencing such a significant accumulation vary greatly depending on location and prevailing weather patterns.

The Odds of a Foot of Snow

December typically marks the beginning of Ohio’s snow season, but storms producing a foot or more of snow in a single event are relatively rare across much of the state.

On average, such events are more likely in northern Ohio due to its proximity to Lake Erie and the potential for lake-effect snow.

According to historical data from the National Weather Service (NWS), areas in northeast Ohio, particularly those within the Snowbelt region, are the most likely to experience heavy snowfall.

Cities like Cleveland, Mentor, and Chardon often see lake-effect snowstorms that can deliver 12 inches or more of accumulation in a short period.

For the rest of the state, including Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, significant snowstorms are less common.

The odds of a foot of snow in a single storm in central and southern Ohio are low, typically requiring a rare convergence of cold air and a strong winter storm system, such as a nor’easter tracking inland or a system pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

The Snowbelt Advantage

Northeast Ohio’s Snowbelt, stretching from eastern Cuyahoga County to parts of Ashtabula and Geauga counties, benefits from the lake-effect phenomenon.

Cold air passing over the relatively warm waters of Lake Erie picks up moisture, leading to intense snowfall downwind.

December is often a prime month for these storms, as the lake remains unfrozen and able to fuel snow-producing systems.

Chardon, a city in Geauga County, averages nearly 107 inches of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest places in Ohio. A single storm delivering a foot of snow is not uncommon in this region, especially in December.

Central and Southern Ohio

Further south, the chances of a foot of snow diminish significantly. In cities like Columbus and Cincinnati, average December snowfall totals are 5.6 inches and 3.5 inches, respectively, according to NWS data.

While it’s not impossible for a major storm to bring a foot of snow, it would likely require an exceptionally strong system to do so.

Conclusion

While much of Ohio is unlikely to see a foot of snow in a single storm during December, residents of the Snowbelt region in northeast Ohio face much higher odds.

For those further south, significant snowstorms remain a rarity, though occasional surprises can occur.

As winter progresses, staying informed about weather forecasts and preparing for potential storms is the best way to navigate Ohio’s unpredictable weather.