Hot and humid with an isolated afternoon thunderstorm possible today. Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected with a Thursday cold front.
There is not much more we can say about today. The heat and humidity have returned as promised. Temperatures this afternoon across the Valley will get to 90° degrees and dew points in the 70s will make it feel like the tropics. A passing thunderstorm is not out of question during peak heating. Otherwise, mostly sunny skies, hot and humid.
SIMRADAR for today through 3:00 AM Thursday:
It will remain warm and muggy overnight. Temperatures won’t cool off much more than the low 70s and the slight chance of a passing shower or thunderstorm will continue.
A brief respite from the tropical humidity is on the way, however. A cold front will approach and cross east-central Ohio that will usher in drier air for Friday. Unfortunately, the front will also bring a threat for severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon.
The Storm Prediction Center has raised the stakes to a Slight Risk (2/5) for tomorrow. A Slight Risk means that scattered severe thunderstorms will be possible.
The main severe threat in our area will come from damaging wind gusts and hail. A heavy downpour is another threat but tomorrow’s thunderstorms shouldn’t linger long enough to raise concerns for flooding.
The best time for a strong/severe thunderstorm looks to be from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Thunderstorms should quickly end in the evening.
Friday will be a much nicer day. High pressure builds back in and somewhat cooler and drier air will flow in behind the front. Temperatures will return to about average – around 82° for the afternoon high and dew points will drop back to the mid-60s.
WEEKEND WEATHER
The weekend is still shaping up to be decent, although warm. Sunshine will dominate on Saturday. The models continue to show a weak disturbance crossing the region on Sunday that will keep a low threat for a passing shower or storm. Sunday will be the cloudier day of the weekend with that passing disturbance. Generally, though, dry weather is expected for the majority. Temperatures will creep back up to the mid-80s.
NEXT WEEK
I’ve been talking the last couple of days about the heat and humidity that may build into next week. That still looks to be the case except for one new factor that could lessen the prospects.
A tropical system in the Gulf is likely to be named (Berry) later today. Barry is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm and maybe even a low-end hurricane before it makes landfall over the weekend. The remnants of this system could find its way into the Ohio Valley area next week. IF this pans out, it could have an impact on our weather.
As of today, it’s just one possibility out of many but it could mean another dose of unneeded rain – something we really don’t need. It’s way too far out there to be overly concerned about now, but it is something we will have to keep an eye on over the coming days.
