Several rounds of rain showers will cross the region Wednesday through Thursday. Heavy rainfall is possible at times.
After gorgeous springlike weather yesterday, our weather pattern turns cooler today behind a cold front. Showers associated with this feature should exit east-central Ohio by afternoon leaving us with a dry period for the remainder of the day. Temperatures will be slightly warmer this morning then hold fairly steady at around 45° during the afternoon. Weak high pressure well off to the north might allow for a peak of sun now and then.
Our dry weather will not last long. Our cold front will stall just south of the Ohio River tonight, then lift back into the region on Wednesday as a warm front. Warm moist air will again spread into the region As temperatures and moisture increase, odds for rain will increase as well.
Recent model runs have leaned toward a later start of showers and that has reduced the threat for freezing rain here in the Valley. Chances of icing will be better for northern Ohio counties as the cooler air will linger a little longer up there.
Rain showers will continue into Thursday with that frontal boundary stalling somewhere in northern Ohio. I can’t rule out thunder as the front reverses course and moves through as a cold front. The front will finally exit the region Thursday night bringing an end to precipitation by Friday afternoon.
Ample moisture is available with this system and periods of heavy rain are likely. That plus the fact that rain showers will hang with us for the next 72 hours. Thursday will bring a conveyor belt of moisture pumping in from the south. This looks more like something we would see in April.
The ground is already saturated from recent snow melt and today’s rain, so high water is something of a concern. Folks who live around flood-prone areas should keep a watchful eye on forecasts.
The River Forecast Center models are still running yet this morning. I’ll bring that forecast to you as soon as it completes. (Posted. See Here)
Temperatures will be quite warm through the period, so there isn’t much of a threat for snow. Highs on Wednesday will warm to the mid-50s Wednesday – 60-ish on Thursday. Friday jolts us back to February. Colder air will return behind the frontal boundary as it sinks south and temperatures will return to the 30s.
WEEKEND WEATHER
Dryer but colder air will dominate our weekend weather. Saturday will be the sunnier day with afternoon highs in the low 30s. More clouds but slightly warmer on Sunday with highs in the upper 30s.
EXTENDED PERIOD
Our next chance for snow will arrive Sunday night into Monday with the next weather system moving in from the southwest (panhandle hook?). As one would expect, model differences remain regarding the timing and accumulation. These will get worked out over the next few days. The models then hint at a more significant system to develop and impact the region around Tuesday of next week. There will be sufficiently cold air and moisture so this system warrants my attention. Specifics are very sketchy but it is enough to think this might just be our next winter weather event.
