Warmer temperatures expected the remainder of the work week with rain chances Thursday and Friday as a frontal system crosses the region.
There is nothing like starting the day with a gorgeous sunrise. Even if it is a little chilly this morning. We were treated to an absolutely stunning one this morning.
The warming trend I’ve been promising all week will get underway today as a potent storm system in the Central Plains lifts a weak warm front through east-central Ohio. Temperatures this afternoon will warm to the mid-50s across the Valley. There is some moisture associated with the front, but with very dry air closer to the surface, any sprinkles will evaporate before reaching the ground. Today will be a cloudier day than yesterday, however.
With the front well north of the region tonight and dry air overhead, dry and warm conditions will continue overnight. Temperatures won’t drop off more than the upper 40s to near 50°.
As that strong storm system travels into the Great Lakes region on Thursday a second stronger warm front will lift through our area. With a warm and moist southerly flow, moisture will eventually overcome the dry air in place and widespread rain will move in.
There is the possibility of a break in the rain and clouds sufficient enough to allow some sunshine. Should this prove to be the case, we will see enough instability to develop that would allow for thunderstorms. Odds of this happening are higher in western Ohio but a rumble or two of thunder can’t be ruled out here as well.
The highest odds for thunder here in the Valley will be after sunset.
With the Valley being firmly on the warm side of the front, temperatures will really take off and most areas in east-central Ohio will get to the mid-60s. It will even feel a bit muggy with all of that moisture around.
South winds will pick up Thursday afternoon as the system’s cold front creeps into view. Winds will become gusty Thursday night as the front approaches with some gusts reaching the 30 to 35 mph range.
Rain overnight will push east of the region Friday morning and those gusty winds will back off. Skies should clear out enough Friday afternoon to allow for some sunshine. Temperatures on Friday will be cooler than Thursday but still not all that bad with highs in the low 50s.
A second surge of cold air will push into east-central Ohio Friday night bringing low odds for a few rain showers. As temperatures drop off to around freezing, and sprinkles will become snow but we’re not looking at any accumulation here.
Although the weekend looks mainly dry, temperatures will be much colder Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will feature clouds and occasional sun with afternoon highs in the upper-30s. Sunday will be the nicer day of the weekend with mostly sunny conditions and afternoon temperatures in the low-40s.
Generally speaking, temperatures look to remain below average for much of next week before warming once again next weekend.
