Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop later today as a cold front sinks through east-central Ohio. While the majority of the storms will be garden-variety summertime thunderstorms, the environment will be supportive of a stronger storm or two, mainly around 4:00 – 8:00 PM.
As of 2:00 PM this afternoon, the NWS Storm Prediction Center has all of the region highlighted in a Level 2, Slight Risk for the potential of severe storms later today. (This is an upgrade from Level 1 issued earlier this morning.)
A ‘Slight Risk’ means that confidence has increased in severe weather occurring in any one location. Isolated instances of strong wind gusts are the primary threat. There is a much lower potential for hail. The risk of an isolated tornado is very low as well. (The actual NWS probability is 2-4%, not “zero”.)
These should move through the region fairly quickly, so any heavy rain/flooding risks are limited. The threat of severe storms in our area should end by 10:00 PM.
The frontal boundary is then expected to become nearly stationary south of our area in the vicinity of the Ohio River on Friday and Saturday. This will keep the threat of occasional showers and thunderstorms in our forecast through the end of the week. At this time, additional severe weather overnight is not anticipated.
HOT AND HUMID NEXT WEEK
An upper-level ridge of high pressure is expected to develop once the stationary front lifts back north as a warm front over the weekend. The ridge will eventually encompass the upper Ohio River Valley early next week. Temperatures are likely to heat up into the low-90s with dewpoints increasing to the 70s. Heat index values near and around 100° are likely for a good portion of the week.
After this recent cooler pattern in our area, the arrival of summer heat and humidity will take some getting used to. In addition, there can be some level of severe weather risk in this hot and humid airmass. (This kind of weather pattern has produced severe weather in our area in the past.) While it is way too soon for any details regarding the potential for severe weather, we will be keeping a watchful eye on how things may play out next week.
In the meantime, welcome to summer!
