Residents across Ohio's Columbus and Cincinnati regions should brace for thunderstorms tonight, courtesy of a cold front sweeping across the mid Ohio Valley. The National Weather Service forecast points to showers and possible severe storms, especially southeast of the I-71 corridor, developing this evening and heading into Saturday morning. "With increasing shear profiles, a few severe storms will be possible as we head into this evening, especially across our southeast," the NWS discussion notes, not looking good for those craving a peaceful end to the workweek.
Today's gusty southerly flow will bring warm air into the Ohio region, pushing temperatures into the high 70s and upper 80s. However, as the front closes in and surface dewpoints jump into the mid to upper 60s, expect instability to ramp up big time. The NWS warns of potential destructive winds and hail, adding that "a brief tornado cannot be ruled out across our extreme southeast." After the front passes through, lower temperatures and the chance of prolonged showers hang in the balance, particularly in the southeast half of the area.
Saturday's forecast looks a tad brighter with any lingering showers tapering off from the west. Cooler climate will be the norm, with max temperatures chilling in the upper 60s to lower 70s. This brief stormy affair sets the scene for a crisp and clear start to next week. Dropping temperatures overnight in the 40s and daytime highs peaking near the low 70s suggest a jacket might not be remiss for any early week adventures.
The extended forecast through Thursday calls for generally dry conditions and temperatures hovering around climatological norms – think mid 80s for daytime warmth and mid to upper 50s when the sun sets. This stable pattern owes thanks to a northwest upper flow and high pressure making camp around Ohio, per the NWS's long-term discussion. A big high pressure system dropping southeast into Lake Superior later in the week promises to keep that cool, northerly breeze aflowing.
For the daily grinders and the weekend warriors alike, apart from a turbulent start, the weather outlook gives little to frown upon. River valley fog could impact early morning movements at local airports, including KLUK, but the NWS assures that no significant weather troubles are expected after the current front passes. So, it's essentially a brief shake from the skies before Ohioans witness the return of calmer meteorological tides.
