There are no big changes in today’s forecast. A large and dynamic storm system will bring a variety of weather features to the region over the next couple of days.
This morning will see the steadiest rain of the day. Rain then tapers off around mid-morning as a dry slot moves in overhead, likely leading to clearing and even some sunshine during the late morning and early afternoon. This shows up very nicely in the morning satellite image.
Clearing skies and the addition of sunshine will increase instability slightly and this could lead to the development of strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has our area highlighted in the Slight Risk (Level 2 on a scale of 1-5). A Level 2 – Slight Risk means there is increased confidence on strong to severe thunderstorms occurring.
Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern with today’s storms. However, there is a very small, non-zero risk for hail and an isolated tornado as well. While there are no guarantees that severe storms will develop and impact our area, the window of opportunity for storms locally is from around 2:00 to 6:00 PM today.
The system will drag a cold front through eastern Ohio late in the afternoon, and colder air will rush into the Valley behind the front. Rain showers will mix with and eventually become snow showers this evening and tonight. Scattered snow showers are likely to continue on Thursday. Light accumulation is expected for our area.
Regardless of any thunderstorms developing this afternoon, it will be windy today and Thursday as the system travels across the area. Wind gusts today can be in the 30 to 40 mph range, with higher gusts possible in any thunderstorms. Gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range will be possible tonight and Thursday.
High pressure will build into the region Thursday night, bringing an end to the snow showers and gusty winds. Most of Friday will remain dry, but a disturbance will return slight chances for rain/snow showers to the region Friday night into early Saturday morning.
So far, our weekend looks to feature dry weather, with temperatures around the average for early March. Temperatures will rise again early next week.
Thank you for reading the Tuscarawas Valley’s only local weather information resource. Be safe out there.
