Ohio residents should brace themselves for a brief encounter with wintry weather today, according to a recent forecast from the National Weather Service of Cleveland. Though a weak low-pressure system is quickly passing through the Ohio Valley, it spurs a short-term mix of snow, sleet, and rain before giving way to calmer high-pressure weather on Wednesday and Thursday. Commuters across the northeast of Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania should be vigilant of slippery roads, particularly during the morning hours when precipitation is likely to make its debut.
Early risers this morning would have experienced dry conditions, but this was set to change as the weather system carries its mixed bag of precipitation west-east across the state. Initially, the dry, low-level air might resist the precipitation, potentially delaying the onset until mid-morning or later. Once the moisture does begin to fall, "temperatures would have warmed enough for mainly rain outside of far NE Ohio and NW PA," explains the National Weather Service. Nonetheless, any snow or sleet hitting the still-cold surfaces is likely to quickly freeze, likely leading to slick driving conditions in some areas.
The light wintry precipitation is forecasted to phase into rain as the day progresses, with temperatures edging into the higher 30s to near 40, resulting in a cold and damp day. Any snow and sleet lingering in the northeastern regions aren't expected to amount to much before they transition into rain. Come tonight, the skies should clear as the weak weather system exits and high pressure builds over the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, setting the stage for dry conditions into Wednesday.
As expected for this time of year, the break in wet weather doesn't plan to hang around very long. Anticipate the return of cloudier skies as another low-pressure system is set to sweep through later in the week. "The bulk of the rain will likely stay south of the region," the National Weather Service notes, though northerners in Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania can expect rain showers accompanying the cold front that's due to pass through. While highs might warm into the low to mid-50s towards the weekend, a mix of rain and snow could make a comeback as temperatures dip once again Friday night into Saturday.
Marine conditions on Lake Erie look to remain relatively untroubled despite the terrestrial weather disturbances, with variable winds keeping below the threshold that typically raises small craft advisory flags. Following the low-pressure exits, winds will adopt a northeasterly direction on Wednesday, maintaining a gentle breeze before switching offshore Wednesday night through Thursday. Consequently, sailors and marine enthusiasts can enjoy the lake's waters with minimal disruption expected through the week's end.
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