Our weather will become more active over the next 36 to 48 hours as a couple of clipper-type systems travel through the Great Lakes today and Wednesday.
The first occurs today as low pressure travels west to east and well to our north. Trends in recent model runs have shifted this little system further north to the point that it will have little, if any, impact here in the Tuscarawas Valley. Snowfall will be mostly confined to areas closer to Lake Erie.
This first wave will push a warm front across eastern Ohio today, allowing temperatures to moderate somewhat this evening and tonight. A second, more impressive wave will arrive late tonight. This second system will track across northern Ohio a bit farther south and is likely to bring precipitation to our area tonight and Wednesday.
Precipitation will likely start out as wet snow after midnight. As temperatures continue to moderate, snow will mix with rain before transitioning to all rain after sunrise on Wednesday. Rain is then expected to be the primary precipitation type through the daytime hours on Wednesday before changing over to wet snow around sunset Wednesday evening.
Occasional light snow and/or flurries may continue into Thursday morning.
Total snow accumulation locally is expected to be light (under an inch), and impacts are likely to be minimal. Maybe some slushy surfaces on secondary roads, but the main thoroughfares should mainly be wet. Most, if not all, of the snow should melt as warmer temperatures spread across the area.
In addition to the snow and rain, a tight pressure gradient will bring gusty winds tonight and Wednesday. Some gusts could be in the 30 to 35 mph range through the period.
The system will also pull a cold front across east-central Ohio on Wednesday. Temperatures will drop off to the low 20s on Wednesday night. Expect daytime highs only in the upper 20s to around 30° on Thursday with breezy winds around 20 mph or so. Additional light snow and/or flurries are possible on Thursday morning, with little to no accumulation expected.
