When will our deep freeze end?

It’s not over yet, but the end might be in sight.

While Sunday could finally bring temperatures above freezing, much of southwest Ohio will remain far below 32 degrees until then.

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Much of the region, including Montgomery, Miami, Champaign, Clark, and Greene counties, will be under a wind chill advisory until 11 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service announced Wednesday afternoon. Wind chills are not expected to rise above zero during the advisory, meaning frostbite and hypothermia can quickly occur.

Storm Center 7 Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs said Butler and Warren counties could later be added to the advisory if conditions warrant.

Temperatures Thursday morning should stay above zero for most, but a light breeze will keep wind chill values below zero, said Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini. Wind out of the northwest could trigger some lake effect snow showers or flurries late afternoon and evening. Highs could reach about 12.

Zontini said Friday will bring more bitter cold morning temperatures below zero, perhaps around four or five below. Wind chill values will range 10 to 15 below zero. Friday should have some sunshine, but will remain cold all day with a forecast high temperature of eight degrees.

Clear skies Saturday morning will mean temperatures will range from five to 10 below zero, Zontini said. Wind chill values could range from five to 15 below zero. Sunshine is expected through the day, but will again be cold in the afternoon with highs around 13.

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“Another weather system will develop and approach Sunday evening, potentially bringing more moisture and a push of warm air as it arrives from the south,” said Zontini. “Highs Sunday push above freezing finally into the middle or upper 30s. There is a possibility for a wintry mix and rain heading into Monday.”

RELATED: Why is there steam coming from the Great Miami River?

Local conservation experts said if you are near any of the area’s rivers during the extreme temperatures, you may see them giving off steam.

“Even though the water feels very cold, it’s still much warmer than the air around it,” said Kurt Rinehart, Miami Conservancy District chief engineer. “The air temperature is around zero or below, and the river is significantly warmer. So it’s just condensation … just because it is much warmer, the water is condensing steam coming off the river.”

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