Despite the high surface pressure, the National Weather Service has forecast that a dull sky will continue to hover over Columbus and Cincinnati. According to NWS's latest report, those expecting the sun to break through may be disappointed as mainly cloudy conditions persist throughout the day. Temperatures will struggle to rise, with highs projected to range from the mid to the upper 30s.
Moving into tonight, things are forecasted to become more interesting as a clipper system quickly edges its way into the region. This incoming weather system is slated to carry rain and snow into the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes on Friday. "Isentropic lift associated with the low-pressure system will develop/spread precipitation into the western half of the forecast area overnight," the NWS report notes. While most precipitation is expected to fall as snow, some rain may mix in, especially near the Ohio River. Snow accumulation will be modest, but slick spots on bridges and overpasses could complicate the morning commute.
Friday's daytime hours will see a marginal warming ahead of the incoming cold front, which may allow some rain to mix with snow across the eastern half of the forecast area. Subsequent cold air advection will mean a return to snow as temperatures dip again. Accumulations are forecast to be around an inch in the western region, with less than half an inch predicted for the eastern. "Most of the snow should melt," the NWS remarks, pointing to road temperatures likely staying above freezing.
The weekend outlook is shaping up to be distinctly cooler. Post-clipper system, high pressure will stretch across the region, "resulting in below normal temperatures," according to the NWS. Saturday's highs will be chilly, hovering around the freezing mark. A southeast return flow on Sunday night will precede warmer conditions and a chance for precipitation to reappear by Monday night. The tail end of the forecast looks to bring more rain, with a cold front possibly causing a mix of rain and snow at the start of the next week.
