As discussed the last several days, deep low pressure will drag a potent cold front across east-central Ohio tonight. Expect some strong wind this afternoon and tonight as the front slides across the region. Southwest winds will gradually ramp up this afternoon and continue into early Friday morning. There is the potential for gusts 45 to 50 mph mainly this evening and tonight.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for our area effective from 5:00 PM this evening until 10:00 AM Friday for wind gusts 40 to 50 mph.
NOTE: Wind at this magnitude has the potential to bring down limbs and power lines so scattered power outages are a good possibility
In addition, periods of moderate to heavy rainfall today across the Valley. A rumble or two of thunder can’t be ruled out either. Severe weather today will set up east and south of our area but nothing severe is expected locally.
If your plans include travel into the highlighted area keep in mind that there is a threat for tornadoes there today.
Back here at home, the threat for rain has lessened this evening during trick-or-treating but the threat for strong wind has increased.
Otherwise, temperatures this afternoon will be quite mild ahead of our front. highs early this afternoon will top out in the mid to upper 60s across the Valley. The actual frontal boundary is forecast to approach and cross east-central Ohio late this afternoon or early this evening. Temperatures will begin a downward trend behind the front.
Temperatures overnight will continue to decline to the 32°/35° range by sunrise Friday. That’s approximately a 25° to 30° drop in temperature by morning.
Rain chances will taper off after 10:00 PM and finally exit the area after midnight. Friday will bring a mix of sun and clouds but temperatures will be chilly with highs in the mid 40s. A southwest breeze will make for wind chills in the mid to upper 20s.
It will remain on the chilly side over the weekend with below-average temperatures.
A reminder to gardeners and AG folks: NWS Pittsburgh will not issue frost or freeze warnings. Temperatures will dip to freezing tonight – below freezing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.
