Clouds and a few isolated snow showers will move through east-central Ohio with a weak cold front. That front will bring a reinforcing wave of cold air into the region to end the work week.
As a result, today will be an even colder day than yesterday and temperatures will not get much higher than freezing in most neighborhoods for highs this afternoon. Any snow today will be light and those areas that do happen to see some flakes today won’t get much more than a dusting at best.
A westerly breeze will keep wind chills in the 20 to 25 degree range this afternoon, so you’ll still need to bundle up today if you’ll be outdoors.
We have a cold night coming up tonight with most neighborhoods getting down to the upper teens. But, we will remain dry tonight through Friday.
Friday will bring a better day. We should get in to some sunshine but despite the sun and a southerly flow, temperatures will stay in the 30 to 32 degree area across the Valley.
WEEKEND CLIPPER
Details are coming into better focus regarding the Alberta Clipper system that will cross eastern Ohio on Saturday. This will likely bring our first decent chance of accumulating snow for the season.
Saturday should start out dry but cloudy. Chances for snow showers moving into the Valley will increase after lunch time with general snow showers becoming likely by mid afternoon for everyone. Snow showers will continue into Saturday night.
This will be a typical quick-hitting clipper with the majority of the snow falling Saturday. By Sunday morning it will be far enough east of the region to bring and end to snow showers. BUT, it will likely bring enough snow to the Valley to have an impact on local travel.
The ground – and area roads – will be cold enough to support accumulating snow. The main highways, of course, will fare better. But those less-traveled county roads could have some slick spots.
Snow will be heavier north and less south.
For us here in the Valley I think most areas around New Phila and central to the county should end up with an inch or two. Those in the northern portions could end up with 2 to 3 inches, while those south may end up with a coating to an inch.
I may need to fine tune my forecast depending on where the clipper actually tracks, but for now I think this will be a good general guide based on New Philadelphia.
As the clipper pushes east Sunday it will set up a northwest flow and transition over to mainly lake effect. While I can’t completely rule out some flurries in the northern half of the Valley, Sunday should be snow free for most.
Temperatures will be cold through the weekend with daytime highs in the 20s and nighttime lows in the teens.
NEXT WEEK
Monday looks dry for the most part but our next system will be knocking on the door. This will raise concerns for an additional round of accumulating snow Monday evening through Tuesday time frame.
While this one is a bit far out for particulars yet, this one looks a bit more impressive to me and has the potential to have more of an impact on Tuesday travel. Along with the potential for accumulating snow, another reinforcing push of arctic air will flow in behind this system. It will bring true arctic cold to the Valley for the latter half of next week.
These temps from the European ensemble outlook may even be a little conservative. On top of the cold air, nighttime wind chills in the single digits are good possibility late next week.
Thanks for taking the time to read today’s blog. It was a little longer than normal but we had a lot of active weather to cover. Have a great Thursday. I’ll post an update on Friday regarding any changes that may occur regarding Saturday’s clipper.
Thank you sir for your forecast!