Residents of Cleveland and surrounding areas are bracing themselves for a bout of strong weather as a dynamic storm system is set to sweep through the region, according to an Area Forecast Discussion from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Cleveland. The incoming system, developing over the Plains and destined for the Great Lakes, will bring with it a gamut of conditions, including strong winds, periods of rain, and potential thunderstorms from tonight through Wednesday evening.
A warm front is expected to pass through the area tonight, followed by a cold front on Wednesday night. After the widespread rain associated with the warm front, there’s a predicted lull before showers return ahead of the cold front later in the day. Winds present the major concern, with two rounds anticipated, downsloping winds later tonight preceding the warm front and westerlies that follow the cold front midweek. With winds coming in two pieces, the former due to a low-level jet and the latter driven by post-frontal pressure rises, conditions conducive to tree damage and power outages are likely to go into effect, especially given the projection of sustained gusts between 40 and 50 mph.
Regarding precipitation, the NWS does not anticipate flooding impacts besides potential issues from remaining ice jams. Although QPF (Quantitative Precipitation Forecast) isn’t expected to be overwhelming, with average totals ranging from 0.50 to 0.75 inches across the forecast area, the warm front moving through tonight should be responsible for "a band of widespread rain pivoting across the region," as mentioned in the National Weather Service discussion. Thunderstorms also present a concern with the possibility of a few strong to severe ones developing late Wednesday afternoon and evening, particularly over eastern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania.
Temperature-wise, the area will experience milder weather, with highs anticipated to reach the upper 50s to low 60s today and Wednesday. The report notes, "temps will likely rise tonight as the warm front crosses, with lows in the mid 40s to around 50." On the marine front, while Small Craft Advisories remain suspended due to ice cover and uncertainty around gale-force winds, boaters on Lake Erie are advised to be cautious as conditions on the lake are expected to shift alongside the stormy weather pattern.
Looking forward to the latter part of the week, the strong winds are predicted to subside by Thursday evening, and conditions will settle briefly before another weather system potentially influences the region come Friday. Canadians, after having the storm depart, are now left to contend with its aftermath, with a forecasted slight deepening into Quebec Wednesday night and Thursday morning. With a somewhat cooler and quieter pattern expected for the ensuing weekend, this serves as a respite after what is shaping up to be a hectic few days of weather in Northeast Ohio.
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