A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon in Michigan and Indiana along a cold front. By early evening, they will travel east along the front into Ohio and continue eastward as the evening progresses.
The line will likely approach and cross our area after sunset this evening. Since the storms are forecast to arrive here after the day’s peak heating and have less energy to tap into, they should be somewhat weaker. However, some storms in this line could maintain a few cells capable of strong wind gusts.
The Storm Prediction Center highlights our area as a Level 1, Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms, mainly because of the potential for pockets of damaging wind gusts. Storms later this evening and tonight may also produce pockets of heavy rainfall.
AFTER TONIGHT’S STORMS
The cold front associated with tonight’s thunderstorms will bring somewhat cooler and drier air to the Tuscarawas Valley and provide some relief from the humid conditions we’ve been stuck with these last few days.
The break in humidity will be brief, however. Dewpoints will likely ramp back up over the weekend. Temperatures will also increase over the weekend, with daytime highs at or near 90° early in the week.
With air temperatures around 90° and dewpoints in the 70s, heat index values may reach 100° – 105° Sunday through Wednesday of next week – our first real heat wave of the season. If you work or spend time outdoors, be aware of the heat and humidity. – Joe
