As forecasted by the National Weather Service Wilmington OH, residents across the Columbus and Cincinnati areas are in for a spell of unseasonably cool weather and scattered showers. According to a discussion released by the National Weather Service, this moisture-heavy spell is the gift of an upper-level low-pressure system drifting east over the Great Lakes today through Friday.
The showers, which are to pivot southeastward across the region, are likely to grow more numerous as the day warms. "Mid-level energy rotating around the low will lead to an increasing chance of showers across the north later this morning,” the NWS statement reads, with the possibility of "a few embedded thunderstorms this afternoon, with the best chance for this across our northeast, closer to the upper low." This weather pattern also means keeping afternoon highs stuck in the mid to upper 50s.
Friday's forecast shouldn't bring much of a reprieve. The NWS expects continued cool temperatures, with lows tonight in the upper 30s to lower 40s and highs on Friday ranging in the upper 50s to lower 60s. While the shower activity is predicted to decrease this evening, the service indicates the chance of spotty showers popping up on Friday afternoon.
Looking further out, the long-term outlook maintains a trend of below-normal temperatures through most of the period. Dry conditions will prevail through Saturday night, followed by precipitation chances later moving into the region. The NWS highlighted uncertainty regarding potential heavy rain on Monday night. "Depending on the track of the low will, will have to monitor trends for potential heavy rain mention Monday night, however with model variability at this time, confidence was not high enough to mention at this time," the long-term forecast states.
The aviation outlook remains free from significant weather events for those taking to the skies. However, pilots and travelers should expect prevalent MVFR conditions and occasional IFR visibilities in heavier showers today, potentially affecting flight schedules. Moreover, an isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, particularly at central Ohio terminals later in the morning and afternoon. The NWS also cautions that west winds of 10 to 20 knots will persist today, with gusts to around 25 knots possible.
