It's a typical Midwest weather rollercoaster this week as Columbus, Cincinnati, and the surrounding regions brace for a mix of conditions that'll remind you fall is just around the corner. According to the National Weather Service, short-term forecasts are predicting "a chance for rain showers today ahead of a cold front that drops south through the area tonight." That means if you're stepping out, keep an umbrella handy, especially if you're hanging around the northern counties where the best rain threat will be this afternoon and into the early evening.
The rain isn't here to stay, though. Post-shower, we're looking forward to a dry spell that's expected to last through the weekend and into the start of next week. And while the rain might be taking a hike, temperatures are slated to stay beneath the norm. Planning any outdoor activities? You might want to add a layer – NWS reports are saying we’ll see "highs from the lower 70s north to near 80 south." But, of course, in true Ohio fashion, an odd trend is about to kick in late this weekend into next week, with temperatures slowly creeping back up to standard levels.
As Friday rolls in with a surface high pressure over the Great Lakes, any of Thursday night's fog should quickly dissipate, according to the NWS. This is good news for the aviators among us, as the outlook suggests “No significant weather expected,” meaning smoother skies for air travel. For those grounded this Friday, expect a partly sunny sky and temps that feel more like an early taste of autumn, with the NWS predicting "7-10 degrees below normal with highs from near 70 north to near 80 south."
Last but not least, looking further ahead into the long term, the weather pattern seems content to remain cool and largely dry. Precipitable water values hanging around half an inch promise a less humid weekend – so your hair can thank the weather gods. But don't get too comfy in the cool. There's a hint of moisture trying to make a comeback by mid-week, as some "low-end precipitation chances on Tuesday and Wednesday" are on the horizon. And for those who've been missing those warmer August days, the NWS mentions a gradual warming trend from Saturday through Wednesday, figuring to end "about 5-10 degrees below normal," with temperatures making a mild ascent toward more familiar territory.
