Keep your umbrellas close if you're in Columbus, Cincinnati, Wilmington, or nearby areas. According to the National Weather Service, weather disturbances will continue to bring rain showers to the area throughout the weekend and into early next week. It may be time to grab a good book and embrace a cozy day indoors.
Despite the damp forecast, there's a silver lining for the weekend—the mercury is set to climb to a balmy high ranging from the upper 50s to the lower 60s. "Mild temperatures to rise to highs ranging from the upper 50s to the lower 60s," reports the National Weather Service. However, don't get too comfortable with the warmth. A cool down is expected to gear up by mid-week, bringing down the temperature a notch or two as we head into the following weekend.
The weather might not cooperate fully with those planning to enjoy the outdoors. The NWS warns of patchy drizzle or light rain expected mainly early on today. However, the threat of an isolated shower could linger into the afternoon as the evening rolls in, and a more intense system is set to sweep through the region. "Moist southwest mid level flow to continue with a shortwave ejecting northeast from the Lower MS Valley into the Lower Ohio Valley overnight," according to the NWS.
Brace yourselves for a wet end to the weekend when the rainfall is anticipated to spread across the area. "Moisture into the area with PWATs increasing to over 300 percent of normal tonight. With favorable lift developing ahead of the low-level jet – precipitation will begin over the southwest by late evening - overspreading the area overnight," the National Weather Service elaborated. This system could also bring thunderstorms, particularly along and south of the Ohio River. Additionally, gusty winds may pick up to 30 mph as we see the deep low tear through the region.
Looking ahead into early next week, don't expect a long respite from the wet weather. After a brief period of dryness on Monday, another low-pressure system quickly enters the scene by Tuesday, ensuring that rain remains a frequent visitor. And for those yearning for a snowy winter spectacle, the following week might hold some promise. "A significant pattern change will likely be observed across the Ohio Valley starting Wednesday," NWS reports, with the possibility of below-average temperatures and maybe even a taste of Arctic air mid-January.
