Other than the fact that it’s becoming more certain that we will end up getting our first snow event of the 2025/26 winter season, not much has changed in the evolution of the forecast for the weekend into early next week. A deepening low pressure system will drag a potent cold front across eastern Ohio on Sunday that will bring much colder air and snow showers to the Tuscarawas Valley Sunday night through Monday night.
Basically, Saturday looks to be the most uneventful day of the weekend. Dry weather should prevail as we’re between weather systems – Friday’s departing low and an approaching low from the west. This next system will travel into Ohio Saturday night and Sunday.
Odds of rain showers will gradually increase, with rain likely by Sunday morning. Rain showers are expected to peak in coverage during the late morning/early afternoon time frame as a cold front crosses the east-central Ohio region. Some decrease in rain chances is then likely Sunday afternoon as temperatures decrease and colder air flows into the region behind the cold front.
Rain will eventually mix with then change over to all snow Sunday night as the system travels east and colder air wraps into the region. Temperatures drop to the low-30s sometime after midnight. Scattered snow showers are then likely to remain possible through much of Monday into Monday night. Snow showers decrease on Tuesday as the system departs.
LOCAL SNOW AMOUNTS
The heaviest snow will likely occur well to our north along the primary snowbelt areas nearer the lakes. Other than that, it’s a bit too soon yet for any specific numbers. We’ll start zeroing in on amounts locally on Saturday.
The ground, and thus road surfaces, are quite warm, so it can be assumed that much of the snowfall will melt on contact. Grassy areas and elevated surfaces are more likely to accumulate snow. Can there be some slick spots on Monday as you head out to work/school? Yes, but generally, most roads in our area should just be wet. You’re likely to have travel issues the farther north you have to drive.
WIND CHILLS
Another impact will be cold temperatures and wind. You may want to dig out the winter hats and gloves. Temperatures will get way below normal for a few days, and with the wind, wind chill values can run in the low-teens to low-20s at times. Temperatures will moderate somewhat during the second half of the week but remain below average into next weekend.
CAVEAT
We’re about 3/4 days out, roughly, before we get into any snow. We all know that snow events rarely turn out exactly as we think they will. Given that, it takes time for snow events to evolve, and more data coming in the days ahead means there will be changes and additions to the forecast. You’ll need to stay up to date with the latest (reliable) information.
That being said, this doesn’t look like a big snow producer for our area. Much of the snow will come from lake effect and lake enhancement. Much will depend on how far snow bands can make it this far south from the open Great Lakes. It will be the first snow event of the season.
By the way, we typically see the first snowfall event of the season here in early to mid-November on average.
