The National Weather Service has issued a forecast indicating that low pressure will be tracking east through the Ohio Valley today, bringing rain and marking a shift to a prolonged period of below-normal temperatures. According to the NWS forecast discussion, winds are expected to increase in strength, reaching 15-20 mph with gusts around 30 mph.
As this weather system progresses, the NWS highlights the possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the south from morning through early afternoon. The combination of a robust mid-level shortwave and a southerly low-level jet of 55-60 kts is anticipated to aid the development of these showers. "Therefore, have included a mention of this potential for an embedded thunderstorm this morning thru early aftn across the south," the NWS states in their discussion. Temperature highs today will range from the mid-40s in west central Ohio to the mid-50s in south central Ohio.
Conditions will shift this evening as the deep surface low continues to move along its eastward path. The NWS reports that rain showers are likely to persist, decreasing coverage overnight and giving way to a mix of rain and snow as temperatures drop. However, snow accumulation is expected to be minimal, with the most significant amounts just a couple of tenths of an inch, predominantly in grassy areas. Moreover, with cold air advection setting in post-low, gusts may reach up to 35 mph.
Looking ahead, the cold weather is to hold its grip on the region. "Clouds look to persist thru most of the day with a continued threat for lingering snow showers as an embedded weak shortwave pivots thru the area," the NWS detailed in their outlook. This will be followed by what appears to be a dry stint as high pressure situates just south of the Ohio Valley through Thursday. However, this respite will be brief as another disturbance is forecasted to introduce the chance for some light snow accumulations towards the weekend. These flurries could have minor impacts on travel, especially on untreated surfaces, with temperatures expected to be harsh enough to support snow sticking.
The Ohio Valley is also bracing for more wintry weather as a potential system is projected to arrive late Sunday into Monday, with the definitive impact depending upon the track of the impending surface low. "The main takeaway for now is that some form of winter weather impacts appear likely at some point between Sunday and Monday. The exact details are still up in the air," concludes the NWS forecast discussion. A drop in temperature is also anticipated to set in post-Monday, extending into the mid-January period, hinting at the continuation of winter's chill in the region.
