Wednesday begins Solar Winter – the quarter of the year with the least amount of daylight. But here in the Valley, it will likely be the warmest day of the week. And, quite possibly the warmest day of the next ten days or so.
High pressure to the west will migrate east today. It will be a bright and dry day and, while starting out in the mid-20s this morning, temperatures this afternoon will reach the low-50s. That’s still a bit below average for early November.
Clouds begin to increase tonight as low pressure and a cold front approaches east-central Ohio for a Thursday crossing. Precipitation from this system will spread west to east tonight/early Thursday morning. Temperatures will be warm enough ahead of the front to support rain but they will drop below freezing behind the front Thursday afternoon. Rain will transition to rain/snow mix then snow Thursday evening/night.
Differences in timing and snow amounts remain in the modeling this morning. However, it does appear likely that we will see at least some snow locally Thursday and Thursday evening. The ground, and thus the roads, still remain warm so accumulation on the roads and highways should melt quickly. Temperatures Thursday night will drop to the mid-20s, so any moisture on bridges and overpasses could freeze.
Snow will end Thursday night/Friday morning as the front exits the region. With a northwesterly wind over the Great Lakes, lake effect snow showers will be likely across northern Ohio counties and the snow belt.
Overall, snow accumulation locally shouldn’t amount to much. Grassy areas will get a dusting to an inch. Hard surfaces may see some slush but most will be just wet with slick spots on bridges and overpasses. As usual, areas north of the Valley will accumulate more given the potential for lake enhanced snow showers.
WEEKEND OUTLOOK
Friday will be a mighty cold day. Temperatures will not do much better than the upper-30s for the afternoon high locally. A northwest breeze will make it seem colder.
Saturday and Sunday look dry and temperatures will trend slightly higher both days warming to near 50° by Sunday.
Dig out the winter coat. The next cold front to impact the area is slated for a Sunday night/Monday passage. While it does not appear to be a concerning snow event at this time, it will bring the coldest air of the season so far. Daytime highs on Veterans Day will struggle to reach the mid-30s – low-30s by Tuesday. Nighttime lows could be in the low-20s with upper teens possible Tuesday night.
