Brace yourselves, Ohians, for a cold front's coming through tonight, but attention to all, it's set to be a dry one. The National Weather Service in Cleveland bets that apart from potentially pesky fog along the I-71 corridor, it's smooth sailing – or should we say, smooth commuting – until Wednesday. "A cold front will move south across the area tonight into Wednesday morning, though the current guidance favors this to be a generally dry front with limited available low-level moisture," the NWS stated, strongly hinting to leave the rain gear at home this time. High pressure trailing the front promises to nudge temperatures just a tad below normal.
Now, don't let this lack of rain fool you into forgetting about the possibility of frost. The NWS has flagged concern for frost and freeze conditions "particularly along and east of the I-71 corridor" as Wednesday and Thursday roll around. Keep those tender plants indoors if they're to see another season. "The main concern for the short term period will be the potential for frost/freeze conditions Wednesday and Thursday night," as was clearly pointed out by the National Weather Service. But, before you get to warmly wrap up, expect the weekend to bring a warm front and possibly scattered showers.
Shifting to a longer lookout, an active weather shuffle is on the forecast table for Saturday through Monday. Low pressure grooving eastward promises not just a dance of rain across the ceilings of our Great Lakes region but also a mild chance for thunder's applause. "Widespread rain and perhaps a few isolated thunderstorms are most likely to arrive Saturday night into Sunday," said the NWS, which could be music to the ears of drought-hit areas in need of a quenching.
For those looking to enjoy a final burst of warmth before the cooler months to firmly take hold, the NWS predicts temperatures might flirt with the upper 70s or even low 80s in parts of Northwest Ohio before the weekend weather system crashes the party. Just keep in mind, "Temperatures are not expected to near record-highs at this time which currently sit in the mid-80s." Soak up the sun while it lasts, and secure those trash bins – a modest westerly breeze will breeze in come Monday.
If navigating Lake Erie is on your agenda, be aware that a Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 8 PM this evening to 10 AM on Wednesday for some areas. The advisory, issued by the NWS, warns of "strong northerly flow up to 20 kts" overtaking the lake after a cold front's crossing, "Waves over the central basin are expected to build to at least 4 ft." Mariners should plan accordingly and keep an eye on the skies and waves alike.
