The morning radar shows a few clusters of thunderstorm activity this morning associated with a warm front lifting through the region. These will likely hold together to some degree as they move through the east-central Ohio region later in the morning. Currently, these are non-severe.
Dew points in the 60s this morning will continue to increase into the mid-70s by the afternoon as warm tropical air flows into the region behind the warm front. The elevated dew points today will add to the already unstable atmosphere to support the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms today.
Not much has changed over the past 24 hours regarding the thinking for today. The Storm Prediction Center maintains the Level 3, Enhanced Risk, for severe thunderstorms across the area.
The primary threat today remains strong winds with a lesser but non-zero risk of isolated tornadoes and large hail.
With plenty of moisture in this tropical air mass, storms throughout the day will also have the potential to produce downpours. So, locations that fall within any pockets of heavy rain could see flash flooding, especially if there are multiple rounds of heavy rainfall.
After an afternoon break in thunderstorm activity, this system’s cold front will approach and cross the region late today. This may bring a second round of strong to severe storms to the area late this afternoon and evening. With plenty of time for the atmosphere to recover from the morning activity, this second round will still have the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms.
The main takeaway for today’s storm activity won’t be a “once-and-done” event. There will be at least two opportunities (and maybe more, given the setup today) for strong to severe storms throughout the day.
The risk of severe weather will finally weaken later this evening toward sunset, with the loss of daytime heating and the exiting cold front.
The payoff for today’s thunderstorm activity will be very pleasant and mild weather conditions for the rest of the week with cooler temperatures, much lower dew points, and plenty of sunshine.
