The National Weather Service in Wilmington, OH, has issued a forecast riddled with showers and thunderstorms today, as a cold front treks into the Ohio Valley. According to NWS discussions, this weather disturbance isn't going away anytime soon, with chances of similar patterns persisting Sunday into Monday courtesy of a low pressure system making its way northeast through the Great Lakes.
Those hopeful for an early morning hike or a relaxed brunch on the patio might have to reconsider their plans. NWS's area forecast discussion pointed out, "Widespread showers and thunderstorms ahead of the front back across southern Illinois will advect east northeast along the front and overspread mainly northern portions of our area through mid morning." Temperatures are expected to see a steep gradient, with highs swinging from the mid-60s in the northwest to lower 80s in the southeast.
As for what's on the horizon for tonight and tomorrow, the front pressing through today is predicted to stall out to our south tonight, only to come creeping back as a warm front on Sunday. The NWS Wilmington forecast discussion predicts "scattered showers and chance for thunderstorms" particularly impacting the western fringes of the region during Sunday. Temperatures are expected to dip to the upper 40s north and reach up to the upper 50s south tonight, while Sunday is poised to bring highs from the low 60s to the upper 70s.
Looking ahead to Sunday night through Friday, the NWS anticipates a low-pressure system navigating through the Great Lakes, heralding another round of warmer air and minimal shower and storm chances initially. Friday, yet another stalled boundary may inch into the Ohio Valley, renewing potential for precipitation as the week concludes.
For those navigating the skies, aviation interests will see an ebb in shower activity and a gradual shift to MVFR conditions as we head into the evening, with winds pivoting from southwest to northwest. As a word to the wise from our friends at the National Weather Service, pilots can anticipate "some MVFR CIGs" early Sunday as the front makes its erratic dance across the Ohio Valley.
