If you're hoping for a sunny respite from the grey skies in Columbus or Cincinnati, you might want to temper those expectations. According to the National Weather Service Wilmington, Ohio (NWS), we're currently wrapped under a snug blanket of high pressure that's only serving to keep things decidedly on the murky side. The weather service notes, "Dense stratus has developed across the region under a low level inversion." This means visibility could be reduced to less than five miles for many, warranting a Special Weather Statement effective through 10 AM today.
Tonight's forecast doesn't promise much change; that high pressure is nudging off east but remains sufficiently close to maintain calm air and keep that low-level moisture. In essence, expect another round of dense stratus and sporadic fog or drizzle, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 30s and lower 40s. As for Thursday, while it remains consistently cloudy, temperatures are pegged to be a smidgen warmer, with mid to upper 50s predicted.
Some relief in the form of rain is anticipated by Thursday evening, thanks to a weather disturbance making its way into the Ohio Valley. The NWS outlines this shift, asserting "By Thursday evening, the surface high will be well east, over the Atlantic, and a pattern change will be on the horizon to our west." From Thursday night onwards, rainfall becomes more likely with potential for a few thunderstorms, especially in southern areas.
What's the weekend shaping up to be like? Expect the rain to taper off Saturday, with surface high pressure ushering in dry and mildly warm conditions Sunday, featuring highs solidifying in the 50s. Going into next week, the picture gets hazier, weather-wise. We might see a new chance of showers and thunderstorms as another system ambles in from the southwest US. However, the National Weather Service strikes a tentative tone on this point, with precise timing and effects still up in the air. Until then, grab an umbrella and keep an eye on the sky.
