As the high pressure firmly plants itself over the Great Lakes and Northeast, Clevelandites can expect an uninterrupted stretch of dry and increasingly warm weather through mid-week. In an area forecast discussion released by the National Weather Service in Cleveland, meteorologists outlined a stable pattern with "High temperatures today rise into the lower 80s with mid 80s likely by Tuesday afternoon."
While we're set to bask under sunny skies, a peculiar visitor in the form of Canadian wildfire smoke might just make its way into the region, primarily tagging along the northern reaches near the lake. The presence of smoke has prompted a "Code Orange Air Quality Alert" for today by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for Erie and Crawford Counties in Pennsylvania. The people in these regions should be prepared to experience hazy conditions and potentially poor air quality. It's worth noting that these conditions are, with minor interruptions, expected to persist as this stubborn high-pressure system refuses to quickly retreat. A small chance for an isolated shower doesn't seem to be completely off the table for Tuesday afternoon in southwestern zones near Findlay and Marion, with "slight chance (20% or less) PoPs" indicated.
Looking ahead toward the short term, as documented by the National Weather Service, the scene won't change drastically. Under current conditions, the Atlantic pest, Tropical Storm Dexter, appears to be playing gatekeeper, barring the high from leaving the eastern Great Lakes. This means continued mild summer temperatures with highs lingering in the mid-80s and lows cosily hanging in the mid to upper 60s. Fret not about downpours, as the forecast favors "a dry forecast under the influence of the high pressure and little to no forcing."
By the time the weekend inches closer, change finally beckons. The high pressure will likely start to give way, ushering in a gradual uptick in shower and thunderstorm probabilities by Sunday, courtesy of an approaching upper-level trough and surface cold front from the Upper Midwest. So while the upcoming work week may sport clear and predictable weather, Sunday could bring about some action in the skies, as temperatures make a mild climb "back into the upper 80s late this week into the weekend."
In terms of aviation, flyboys and flygirls can breathe easy - VFR conditions are largely the expectation through Friday. There's just a minimal chance of showers and storms "every afternoon from Tuesday through Friday that could pose a non-VFR threat," according to available guidance. And for the seafarers among us, Lake Erie offers serene waters under the governance of the high. Expect lazy east to northeast breezes through the evening, flipping to the south or southeast after dark, all at a gentle 10 knots or less. Wave watchers will be slightly underwhelmed, as the forecast predicts waves will rarely exceed the 2-foot mark. So whether you're looking to take to the skies or set sail on the lake, this week's your oyster.
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