The National Weather Service offers a forecast that brings a brief dose of warmth before the weather takes a cooler, wetter turn. According to their latest report, today will see a shift towards sunny skies after morn's cloud cover, with expected temperatures climbing into the upper 30s to upper 40s across Ohio River regions. But don't let the sunlight fool you; a mix of rain and snow is on the horizon as we move into the night and early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Those in Columbus and Cincinnati might catch a transient glimpse of clearer skies today, but this short-lived clarity will likely give way to patchy fog in some areas towards sunrise. This comes as southwesterly winds bring slight warmth over the chill left by recent snowfalls. As the day progresses, clouds are expected to regather, with precipitation leaning into the region post-midnight and extending into our Saturday routines, the National Weather Service warns. While ground temperatures may challenge any significant snow accumulation, light deposits can't be ruled out, particularly on grassy surfaces. Areas across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio might even see up to half an inch of cover.
Looking ahead into the weekend, Saturday night will draw a close to precipitation, but a cold front is fast approaching. The stage is set for an "arctic outbreak" that will settle in from Sunday into the midweek, dropping temperatures notably. Snow is possible on Sunday, especially southeast and east of the forecast area, with up to an inch of accumulation in certain locations. This blend of wintry elements poses light but noteworthy disruptions, be it slick spots on the road as Saturday's moisture freezes or potential snow-driven obstructions, the National Weather Service states.
The outset of next week doesn't look to offer any relief from the biting cold. With arctic high pressure steering the ship through at least Wednesday, regions within the service's purview are to brace for subzero mornings and dangerously low wind chill values, potentially dipping below -10F, and in northern stretches, even -20F. While exact forecasts may vary, the consensus holds firm: brace for bone-chilling cold that could significantly impact everyday life for those in the affected areas. A moderate rise in temperature is expected by the latter half of the week as winds shift to summon a southerly if marginal, warm front to placate an otherwise frigid air mass.
On the aviation front, clear-day VFR conditions are anticipated through most of today, though MVFR visibility issues at KLUK due to fog have been noted. The forecast calls for increasing clouds this evening with light rain or perhaps a rain-snow mix overnight, leading to IFR conditions by Saturday morning. Pilots are advised of low-level wind shear potential starting tonight as well, with southerly winds picking up pace before taking a southwestern turn later, as the National Weather Service reports.
