The National Weather Service has released its latest forecast, setting expectations for what folks in Columbus, Cincinnati, and the wider region should prepare for in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service statement, dry conditions will persist through the weekend, with a gradual warmup in store. However, note if you are stepping out—despite higher temperatures, gusts over 20 miles per hour could shave up to ten degrees off what it feels outside.
As the evening sets in, expect those winds not to let up. The pressure difference is to blame here, maintaining sustained, chilly breezes through the night. "Low pressure passing across the upper Great Lakes will cause the pressure gradient to pinch a bit tonight," the National Weather Service mentions, indicating a colder wind chill despite overnight lows only dipping into the lower 30s. A slight respite comes Sunday with fewer clouds predicted, with the added anticipation of high clouds moving in later in the day as the next weather system makes its introduction from the southwest.
Looking beyond the weekend, the forecast from the National Weather Service takes a decisive turn. "Widespread rainfall is expected to blossom over the region Sunday night, especially in the 06Z-12Z time frame heading into Monday morning," they inform. This abrupt outbreak of rain coincides with an upper forecast wave predicted to move through the Ohio Valley, which could amount to about an inch of rain in the southern counties and a bit less as you head north. The rain isn't the end of the story. There's a likelihood for a dry spell Monday afternoon but quickly followed by a new threat for steady precipitation and a possible transition to snow by Wednesday as a cold front moves in.
While the specifics for midweek remain cloudy, it's sure that temperatures will take a dip post-Tuesday. "Temperatures will be above normal on Monday and Tuesday, before cooling significantly behind the cold front for Wednesday and Thursday," the National Weather Service predicts. The remainder of the week favors drier conditions as a more neutral air flow takes over. Aviation interests should also be on alert, with the potential for IFR ceilings and MVFR visibilities late Sunday night into Monday, lingering potentially into Tuesday, as indicated by the National Weather Service.
