Residents in Columbus, Cincinnati, Wilmington, and surrounding areas can expect chilly weather and some snow issues as they head into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service in Wilmington reported that a cold front moving through tonight will likely bring light snow and some minor accumulations, posing potential problems for the Thursday morning commute. High pressure will linger in the area through today, but don't expect a dramatic spike in temperatures – it's going to stay below normal throughout the weekend.
The forecast for today includes some transient sunshine peeping out in the afternoon, after a mostly cloudy start. Temperatures are expected to hover in the lower to mid 30s, hitting upper 30s in parts of Northern Kentucky, thanks to a southwest surface flow setting up shop. A "band of light SN" could develop overnight, and with temperatures dipping into the lower to mid-20s in parts of Eastern Central Indiana and West Central Ohio, untreated surfaces could become slippery, particularly during the early hours of Thursday morning. According to the National Weather Service, the ground, "is going to be very receptive to accumulation and the timing of this light snow should be progressing through at least the Cincy metro area and N KY during the AM commute."
Travelers should beware: while snowfall amount might not cross the advisory threshold, the combination of subfreezing temperatures and timing could make for slick conditions worth an advisory. At present, the National Weather Service hasn't issued an advisory, but it has highlighted potential issues in a Special Weather Statement, calling attention to what could be a snowy, slippery Thursday morning.
Looking ahead, Thursday night is gearing up to be a freezer with temperatures expected to fall to single digits in areas north of the Ohio River. The National Weather Service forecasts teens further south along the river and anticipates continued below-average temperatures into the weekend. The next cold front that rolls in on Saturday could introduce some precipitation, but details are still up in the air. So, while there's "no clear signal for the next weather maker," cold, dry conditions should persist, with another layer of chill set to serve the Ohio Valley.
For those taking to the skies, aviation forecasts suggest mixed conditions. A "blanket of borderline MVFR/IFR CIGs" may hover through to early afternoon with a risk of brief IFR conditions. From late Wednesday through early Thursday, a cold front is expected to sweep through the area, potentially disrupting flights with light snow and a shift to northwest winds, per the National Weather Service. Pilots and passengers should be prepped for the possibility of MVFR/IFR conditions rolling into the weekend.
