In the wake of our weekend winter storm, the promised cold temperatures have settled in. All neighborhoods in the Valley have checked in this morning with below-zero temperatures.
Arctic high pressure will keep any chances for snow showers at bay today. Skies will gradually become clearer as the day progresses and we’ll even get into some sunshine this afternoon. With a bit of a northwest breeze, air temperatures in the 12° to 14° range, wind chills will still be an issue today.
With few clouds overnight, below-zero temperatures are expected again tonight. Thankfully, the breeze will lighten up and wind chills will not be as much of an issue. Wind chill advisories are not likely for tonight.
Dry conditions and sunshine will continue on Tuesday. Temperatures will recover back to around average as a slug of warmer air moves in ahead of our next weather system. Afternoon temperatures should warm all the way to around 33° – 35°.
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
Low pressure centered over the Plains will advance into the Great Lakes region spreading warm moist air into east-central Ohio Tuesday night. Lows Tuesday night will be borderline freezing so again, we’re presented with precipitation type challenges. Current projections keep temperatures just above freezing which would mostly rain.
Ground temperatures may still be cold enough Tuesday night for freezing rain. The freezing rain threat should lessen by Wednesday morning as rain showers and warming temperatures warm things up. Temperatures will warm to mid-40-ish range, so precipitation will be all rain.
The system’s cold front will cross the region Wednesday night. Temperatures will fall as colder air moves in behind the front and precipitation changes over to snow showers. The front will push through quickly and this will limit snow accumulation to an inch or two through Thursday morning.
Any lingering snow showers should end by lunchtime Thursday. Temperatures will be warmest in the morning then steadily fall to the mid-teens Thursday night.
LONG RANGE
There is high confidence in a period of much below average temperatures settling on over the weekend and beyond. On top of that, the upper-level flow will be favorable for repeated clipper type systems that will bring periodic snow showers and arctic air.
The best chances for minor snow showers looks to be Saturday or Saturday night. Details will work out as we approach the latter part of the week.
