Residents across Columbus, Cincinnati, Wilmington, and surrounding areas braced for a wintry mix as the National Weather Service in Wilmington forecasted a somewhat messy week ahead. According to an early morning update from the National Weather Service forecast discussion, the snowfall is expected to decrease throughout the morning as the first two systems move away from the region. However, keep those snow boots handy because another low-pressure system slated to move quickly across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley tonight is ushering in a chance for more snow showers.
Despite the wintry conditions, the report explains "the considerable amounts of dry air undercutting the falling snow," which creates a misleading view of regional mosaic radars. Driving dry air from the north means light snow accumulations are still on the cards for areas under a winter weather advisory, although the snow isn't as heavy as it might appear from above. The advisory, expected to last until noon, covers light snowfall, which will likely lead to fluffy accumulations due to thermal profiles – especially on cold road surfaces.
As we move into the evening, the primary concern shifts toward a vort-max associated with the next system, which is on a course for the lower Midwest and Ohio Valley. Scattered to numerous snow showers are forecast to begin approaching the Indiana/Ohio border by the end of today's "near term" period. Accumulations throughout the event are predicted to range between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Although no advisory has been issued, an SPS has been put forth to highlight potential risks for slick roads later tonight.
Thursday's forecast includes a tapering off of snow showers for most of the region, save for moisture streaming southeast from Lake Michigan, which could linger for some into the day. As the low-pressure system moves off the east coast and surface high-pressure swoops in, winds may reach 20 to 25 mph gusts, capable of blowing around any lingering snow. This blowing snow, finding favor in wind-exposed areas, presents a hazard for those navigating the already precarious conditions.
The National Weather Service's long-term outlook suggests some respite is on the horizon as surface high pressure builds, leading to a gradual warming trend over the weekend. By Monday, a trough is expected to usher in more substantial warming, with temperatures projected to rise above normal. Yet, the weather plot thickens with the possibility of another low-pressure system following on Tuesday, bringing the chance of rain showers as the week unfolds.
