Posted by Joe on Tuesday, February 27, at 8:30 am
A potent storm system will approach and cross eastern Ohio today bringing several rounds of showers and some thunderstorms. There is a low-end risk that some storms today, mainly during the afternoon and evening, could be strong to severe. Large hail is the primary concern but storms later today can also produce damaging wind gusts.
Regardless of any thunderstorms, winds today will become gusty with some gusts in the 20 mph to 30 mph range late this morning through this evening.
TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY
A break in the rain is likely tonight as a dry slot moves across eastern Ohio. Widespread showers and a threat of thunderstorms will resume once again ahead of a strong cold front on Wednesday. Current model solutions suggest a more organized line of thunderstorms developing just ahead of the cold front on Wednesday afternoon. Strong instability seems lacking during the period so the risk of severe thunderstorms is low given this lack of instability.
Thunderstorms or not, winds on Wednesday will become quite gusty, especially along the front. Gusts in the 30 mph to 40 mph range are likely. Gusts could exceed 45 mph at times in the vicinity of the cold front Wednesday afternoon.
Unseasonably warm temperatures across the region will fall rapidly behind the front. Rain showers will likely transition to snow as temperatures drop toward freezing late in the afternoon. The period of snow will be brief, however, as dry air also moves in with the front, and snow showers should end by or shortly after sunset. Little to no snow accumulation is expected in our area.
Winds will remain gusty through midnight Wednesday night then begin to decrease during the pre-dawn hours on Thursday as strong high pressure builds into the region. Temperatures on Thursday will be much colder despite ample sunshine.
As always, your dedication to this platform is greatly appreciated, Joe! Thank you for the updates!