The National Weather Service in Cleveland has dialed up its latest forecast, and it's shaping up to be an eventful period for weather in the Great Lakes region. As reported by the National Weather Service, low pressure is intensifying and will sweep across the Great Lakes come Sunday, ushering in a cold front across the locale. A tight but fleeting moment of high pressure will follow before another dynamic system roils through the area from Tuesday into Thursday.
Today's forecast suggests staying dry for the most part outside of some light showers that may linger in the morning over Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania. Temperatures are slated to rise into the 70s and even low 80s, thanks to the area sitting snug in the warm sector ahead of that deepening low pressure on the way. However, the winds are also expected to pick up, with gusts projected in the 25 to 30 MPH sweep, particularly along the I-75 corridor in Northwest Ohio, according to NWS Cleveland.
Storm chasers and thunder enthusiasts should look out for increased shower and thunderstorm action as evening approaches, primarily setting sights on the western third of the forecast area. There's a possibility, albeit slim, of a few gusty thunderstorms due to the wind field aloft and an inverted-V sounding present. Come nightfall, temperatures will drop but remain warm -- with low readings in the early 60s.
What's more concerning than the rain is the anticipated windy Sunday. NWS Cleveland predicts two main bouts of blustery weather amidst the pressure system's crossing, though confidence levels on advisory-worthy winds are still teetering. The first gust may come Sunday morning with a 50-60 knot low-level jet, prompting winds to hover around 25-30 MPH with potential gusts reaching 40-45 MPH. The highest winds are expected to ruffle the western half of the forecast area and along the lakeshore due to their southerly blow. Come Sunday evening, the second, cooler gust should follow the cold front, swinging winds westerly but keeping them robust, sustained at 20-25 MPH and gusting upwards of 30
The narrative of rainfall brings a slight reprieve to the ongoing widespread drought conditions, so flooding concerns should remain at bay despite the forecasted 0.75-1.00 inches of rain. Looking beyond Sunday, a window of drier conditions awaits beneath a narrow ridge of high pressure before the week's temperatures take a dip into brisk territory, with the short-term outlook promising daytime highs coasting in the mid-50s to low 60s and potential 30s at night, especially in eastern parts of Northwest Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, Lake Erie mariners should prepare for rougher waters. South winds will amplify, with Gale Watches in place for the Central Basin as of Sunday morning, extending into Sunday night, as well as eastward expansions into late-night hours — all thanks to that formidable low-level jet coursing over the lake. After a fleeting respite, another weather system will churn conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, necessitating another string of Small Craft Advisories across the basin. By week's end, however, high pressure could paint a calmer tableau over the Ohio Valley.
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