Residents near and south of the Ohio River should brace for a wintry mix, as the National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a winter weather advisory, affecting just four counties, through Monday afternoon. Light snowfall, with accumulations expected to be less than an inch and often less than a half inch, is predicted to potentially create slick spots across the region. The notice, which emphasizes the precarious road conditions rather than significant snowfall, advises caution for those venturing out.
Looking ahead, an anticipated cold snap tonight will see temperatures dip into the teens and low twenties. Warmer air advection on Tuesday is set to nudge the mercury upward into the 30s and 40s, although it will be a breezy affair with wind gusts in the range of 20 to 30 mph during the day. The brief respite from precipitation is forecasted to end post-Tuesday daylight hours, ushering in a more active weather pattern featuring gusty winds and cooler temperatures as the week progresses.
The National Weather Service's outlook suggests the emergence of a longwave trough, which could bring much cooler air and occasional snow chances as we approach the weekend. A potent vort lobe is expected to pass through the upper Ohio Valley come Wednesday, bringing forcible winds potentially exceeding 40 mph, particularly in northern counties. "NBM probabilities are also in the 'likely' category for gusts exceeding 30 mph, esp in our northern counties," states the NWS discussion on future conditions.
The shift to colder weather later in the week could mean efficient snow accumulations due to high snow-to-liquid ratios, especially in areas north of I-70. As the week ends, the focus turns to the bitter cold brought in by an arctic air mass. Sub-zero wind chills are a potential risk during nighttime and early mornings, with daytime wind chills on Saturday likely to linger in the single digits for much of the area. Aviation interests take note: Tuesday through Friday could see MVFR to IFR conditions, with gusty winds up to 35 knots coming on Wednesday.
