Residents in the Columbus and Cincinnati area are gearing up for a dynamic weather pattern that is expected to usher in showers, possible thunderstorms, and eventually snow, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington, Ohio. Friday will see a rapid succession of weather events, beginning with increased moisture and rain showers that could give way to embedded thunderstorms due to a progressive mid-level short wave traversing the region. While gusty winds are anticipated, stronger gusts seem to be confined to the southern Scioto Valley and northeast Kentucky. Highs today are expected to range from near 60 in the north to the upper 60s in the southeast.
The unsettled weather owes its presence to a 50 kt low-level jet stream that will pivot through the area, ahead of an approaching surface cold front set to move through in the afternoon and early evening. The NWS forecasts rain showers to develop into west central Ohio after sunrise and become a more organized band of precipitation as the day progresses. Though instability is on the lower end, it might still be enough to lead to potential for embedded thunderstorms in certain locations. Amid this, the region's aviators are cautioned against potential periods of LLWS (Low Level Wind Shear) this morning and advised of surface wind gusts that could reach 25 to 30 knots.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the aftermath of today's system is expected to lead to clearer skies and more relaxed winds, late in the day into early evening. However, in the fast mid-level zonal flow, a weak shortwave projected to introduce a frontal boundary sagging into the region later could result in a cloud increase primarily across the north. Temperatures will persist above the norm with Saturday's highs projected from the upper 50s north to the mid 60s south.
Come Saturday night, a sharper cold front will follow in quick succession, promising a transition from a chilly rain to snow showers as Sunday progresses into Monday. As outlined by the NWS, "After some rain ahead of the low Saturday night, chilly rain showers may start to mix with a few wet snowflakes late in the day Sunday." Very cold temperatures aloft associated with this system are likely to bring snow showers into Monday. The remainder of the week signals a drop in temperatures well below seasonal averages, with the real possibility of a hard freeze on Sunday and Monday nights. An eventual recovery is in sight midweek as temperatures are expected to climb back up to around 40 by Tuesday and into the 50s on Wednesday and Thursday.
For those navigating the skies, pilots should be aware that MVFR (Marginal Visual Flight Rules) ceilings and visibilities are possible late Saturday night through Sunday. So, buckle up, Ohio Valley; this weekend is shaping up to be a meteorological rollercoaster.
.jpg){kind=link}