The National Weather Service Wilmington OH has issued an update for the residents of Columbus, Cincinnati, Wilmington, and the surrounding regions. According to the National Weather Service forecast, light snow is possible this morning, as a cold front is currently making its way through the Ohio Valley. Locals can expect temperatures to stay pretty low, with the mercury hanging below the usual for this time of year straight through the weekend and into the early days of next week.
As of this morning, snowfalls, although sparse, have been detected by radar, notably in areas south of I-70 and north of the Ohio River. Despite the lack of substantial snow, accumulations could reach up to half an inch where the snow bands manage to develop. "While snow ratios will be quite high (over 13:1 for the entire CWA)," the NWS states, "coverage in snow showers will be very limited given the lack of forcing." Crisp, clear skies are expected to make a return first in the northern counties as the day progresses.
This evening promises to ramp up the chill factor with overnight lows expected to plummet, particularly in the northern regions where cloud cover should be at a minimum. The forecast has been adjusted to accommodate the possible effect of the surface high pressure, light winds, and fresh snow cover, suggesting that temperatures might just dip into the single digits for counties along and north of I-70. Meanwhile, a low pressure system skirting the southeastern United States could bring about added cloud coverage and potentially, though not likely, a bit of snow for northern Kentucky by late Friday.
The weekend and the beginning of the next week look to be rather tame by comparison. The overarching zonal flow should keep things reasonably quiet, though the NWS doesn't exclude the possibility of a few shortwaves bringing in some intermittent moisture and small chances of precipitation. In particular, a "relatively moisture starved" system might grace the area Saturday night into Sunday. It seems not to be bringing much in the way of water, but it is expected to drag in yet another punch of arctic air right behind it. Early week forecasts suggest everyone should bundle up well, with highs barely scraping the low 30s by Monday.
For those flying out, VFR conditions should hold up after the current snowfall clears. Airports are expected to see an improvement back to VFR by late morning or early afternoon, except KCVG/KLUK, where the return to more favorable weather might be slightly delayed. And if you’re planning, those in the know at NWS anticipate potential MVFR CIGs rolling in Saturday, lingering possibly through to Sunday.
