Widespread precipitation is expected today as low pressure drags a cold front across the region. Much colder temperatures will spread across east-central Ohio and remain through the weekend. Odds for for our first accumulating snow arrive early next week.
Areas of rain and snow showers are moving northward across Ohio this morning. Here in the Tuscarawas Valley, we begin the day with a cold rain. Rain will continue across the area today with temperatures inching up to around 44 this afternoon.
The low-pressure system responsible will drag a strong cold front through the region this afternoon. Breezy conditions can be expected with winds out of the west around 8 to 12 mph.
Those west winds will gradually increase tonight. Gusts overnight may reach 20 mph at times as colder air rushes in behind today’s front. With some leftover precipitation lingering, some spots in the Valley may see a few snowflakes tonight.
It will be a cold one tonight. Temperatures will drop off to the mid-20s by early Saturday morning. With a gusty west wind, wind chills early Saturday will be very noticeable. If you venture out Saturday morning, be prepared for wind chills in the mid to upper teens.
Saturday will feel like a mid-December day. Temperatures won’t warm much more than the mid-30s, and a biting wind will gust 20 to 30 mph at times. On the plus side, it will be a mostly dry day with occasional peaks of sun.
I say MOSTLY dry for good reason. Lake effect snow showers will be fairly consistent in northern Ohio counties Saturday. It is conceivable that a couple of snow bands could reach northern portions of the Valley. There won’t be any accumulation here but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a few snowflakes in that cold gusty wind at times as far south as New Phila.
The vast majority of snowfall and snow accumulation will stay well north and east of the Valley through the weekend.
After a cold but dry night, high pressure will build over the region for Sunday. We can expect a sunnier and dry day. Temperatures will warm a bit but still way below average. Afternoon highs should hover around 41 degrees or so.
FIRST ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL EARLY NEXT WEEK?
Monday looks like another dry day. Clouds will increase through the day as a storm system develops and tracks northward along the east coast. The finer details will need to be worked out over the weekend as the exact track of this system comes into focus.
Generally, though, we can expect to see precipitation chances ramping up Monday night as the system advances north. Since we will be on the cold side of this system, temperatures will be cold enough to support snow showers Monday night into Tuesday.
Before everybody starts to freak out, this doesn’t appear to be a big storm. It may, however, result in some accumulating snow here in east-central Ohio. How much is a question that can’t be answered with any confidence this far out. Just keep in mind, if you see crazy snow predictions on social media, they probably are crazy.
Of course, I’ll be watching this closely over the weekend. As I gain confidence in a snow forecast, I’ll post it. Until then, just be aware that some light to moderate snow accumulation is a good possibility. Keep in mind, though. The ground is pretty warm yet.
Snow showers will end late in the day Tuesday. Cold air will drive temperatures down to the low 20s Tuesday night as skies clear out and high pressure returns.
Wednesday will be cold but sunnier with high pressure in control. Temperatures Wednesday will be the coldest of the season with daytime highs around freezing.
ANY SIGN OF WARMER TEMPERATURES?
Climate models indicate that we will remain locked in a cold below normal temperature pattern for much of next week. There are sings that the cold may relax as we approach Thanksgiving, however.
If this projection from the Climate Forecast System be believed, temperatures will warm to ABOVE average the week of Thanksgiving. The average temperature on November 22 in New Phila is 41 degrees, so we could warm a few degrees above that.
Thanks for reading the Tuscarawas Valley’s only comprehensive weather outlook. Have a great weekend!
