This update includes a couple of minor changes from the initial forecast posted yesterday. (1) Snow amounts have shifted downward slightly, and (2) the transition from rain to snow has shifted a bit earlier on Wednesday. Otherwise, the forecast snow amount expected has not changed for our area.
The majority of today (Tuesday) will remain dry. Warm southerly air will push daytime highs well above average this afternoon as mid and upper-level clouds increase ahead of the next storm system. Odds for rain increase this evening as a cold front approaches, with rain expected to overspread the area tonight.
Current modeling suggests the cold front will cross the east-central Ohio region early Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures will fall sharply behind the front, allowing light rain to transition to snow. Temperatures of around 40° at noon will fall to freezing by sunset. The bulk of accumulating snow is likely to occur before midnight with occasional snow showers/bands continuing overnight into Thursday morning.
Temperatures will continue to fall overnight, Wednesday night, ending up in the mid-teens by sunrise Thursday. While this does not appear to be a big snow producer in our area, snow will stick as temperatures decrease. Snow accumulating on roads may produce some hazards for the Thursday morning commute – especially on secondary roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Snow showers during the daytime on Thursday will mainly originate from bands moving off the Great Lakes. Winds on Thursday will be mostly out of the northwest, so that any additional snow will be hit-or-miss here.
TEMPERATURES & WIND
Temperatures will turn considerably colder behind Wednesday’s cold front. And, it’ll be breezy. Wind chill values will be an issue. Expect single-digit wind chills from Wednesday night to Friday.
WEEKEND SNOW?
Confidence is increasing in another arctic system impacting our weekend weather. While additional light snow accumulation is a possibility with this next system, the larger impact may come from the reinforcing arctic air pushing temperatures even colder. The colder air, coupled with breezy winds, may potentially cause wind chills below zero degrees over the weekend into early next week.
The bottom line: Enjoy the relatively mild weather today. There is lots of winter to get through yet.
