As the week comes to a close, the Bay Area is under the influence of a ridge system, promising fair weather and potentially elevating temperatures. According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, the ridge will affect our region from today through the weekend. The embedded high-pressure center is migrating southeastward, allowing warm air to flow into the area.
Visibility should remain largely unhindered for those with an eye on the sky. The NWS, Cleveland's latest forecast discussion, notes that "VFR expected through 12Z/Thurs," with the possibility of a few scattered clouds but generally fair conditions expected to prevail. The wind, currently emanating from the north, will gradually decrease in intensity as the high pressure builds, calming the marine outlook. However, a "subtle surface
trough" might bring isolated showers over Lake Erie, though the probability is a modest 20%.
Looking ahead, temperatures are set to rise throughout the weekend and the beginning of next week, indicating a net warming trend predicted to continue through Thursday. In some parts of the region, temperatures are forecasted to hit highs in the lower to mid-70s, with even the possibility of reaching the low 80s further west. Lake Erie's influence will also be felt, with lake-effect stratocumuli expected, primarily during the morning hours.
As the NWS, Cleveland reported, "A lake breeze is likely within ~10 miles of the Lake Erie lakeshore each afternoon due to the very warm temperature expected." However, there are limited chances of precipitation, with predictions holding at a 5-10% chance through the long-term forecast period. This all culminates in an outlook favoring fair weather and ample conditions for aviation and maritime activities through Sunday.
For historical weather buffs, the climate data section of the NWS, Cleveland's forecast might hold interest as low temperatures recorded this morning and on Thursday recall the records of yesteryear's chillier August days. But these cool morning hours are just a prelude before the gradual climb of the mercury anticipates the warm embrace of late summer.
