At Sharonville Elementary School, recess was held Thursday in the most unlikely of places: outside.

        Such is weather in Greater Cincinnati. One day after the first snow and icy roads of the season, Thursday brought crisp air, rising temperatures and little wind.

        The mercury's upward climb is expected to continue today, with temperatures reaching the low 40s, forecasters say. Sporadic morning sunshine will give way to afternoon clouds, then a 90 percent chance of occasional rain showers in the evening.

        Saturday will bring more of the same, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s amid rain possibly changing to snow. But for now, the big chill is over.

        Such was the playground at Sharonville Elementary on Thursday.

        Most of the area was clear, “so it was really great,” said school secretary AilleneLykins. “The kids were glad to go out.”

        The rule of the day: coats mandatory, snowballs prohibited.

        “Sharonville is so wonderful with the roads,” she added. “We didn't have too many people out, mostly it was due to illnesses, not the roads.”

        At Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, there were two cancellations of outgoing flights, but not because of the weather here.

        Twelve arriving planes were delayed or canceled, “from Boston and places like that,” said airport spokesman Ted Bushelman. One day earlier, dozens of flights were delayed or canceled, and for a short time the airport was down to one runway.

        Throughout the Tristate, road departments reported they were prepared for a bigger snowfall than occurred.

        Wednesday's snowfall of 2 inches at the airport was less than the 6 inches predicted.

        “We got the snow to start, but we expected a little more up front,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Steven Smith.

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