We have certainly been blessed with a string of just fabulous weather for the last week. The last measurable rainfall that fell in the area was back on May 27th. We’ll get a couple of additional dry days in before rain chances return over the weekend.
Otherwise, we can expect more sunshine today and Friday before high pressure departs to the southeast. Dewpoints have also been mainly in the lower-40s to around 50°, a good indicator of the dry airmass we’ve been under. Despite the warm temperatures, the humidity should remain comfortable, with mid- to upper 50s to end the workweek.
Temperatures will trend a bit upward, too. Today should bring daytime highs in the mid-80s, then mid to upper-80s on Friday. Just as our weather has been playing out over the last several days, I anticipate no weather issues for our area today or Friday.
WEEKEND OUTLOOK
A weak cold front will approach the east-central Ohio region on Saturday. The day will start dry, but chances for showers will increase through the afternoon and evening. As it stands now, the models favor the broadest rain coverage in our area to occur during the second half of Saturday before exiting Saturday night. Clouds on Sunday morning should gradually clear, leaving us with a nice Sunday afternoon.
As for any thunderstorm potential here, Saturday afternoon and evening will be our ‘prime time’ for storms. The atmosphere will be warm (mid-80s), and dewpoints will gradually increase ahead of the cold front. Any potential for rowdier storms will hinge on cloud cover and the timing of the front.
The latest guidance suggests passage of the front in the late afternoon/early evening period. That would bring the front through east-central Ohio when instability peaks. Based on this, the Storm Prediction Center has placed our area in a Level 2 (Slight Risk) of severe thunderstorms during the period.
Showers and thunderstorms will taper off as the front clears the region, most likely by midnight.
EARLY NEXT WEEK
Sunday will feature decreasing clouds, eventually becoming mostly sunny. Temperatures will continue an upward trend Monday and Tuesday before eventually reaching 90° by Wednesday. Some models suggest chances of showers and storms may return on Wednesday.
I’ll post additional severe weather updates for Saturday, but for now, plan on a wet afternoon and evening. Until then, have a great rest of the week and weekend. – Joe
