Winter is tightening its grip on Ohio, with the National Weather Service in Wilmington warning residents of a cold snap and snow show. Ohioans, especially those in and around Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and farther afield, are being advised to brace themselves for a prolonged period of bitterly cold temperatures alongside snow showers that could make for challenging commutes and icy conditions.
In a statement obtained by the National Weather Service, "Northwest winds gusting up to 30 mph early will slowly diminish thru the day but remain gusty into the afternoon." This means that not only will the air give us a frosty embrace, but the wind is also set to add that extra cheek-stinging sensation that can make single-digit temperatures feel more like sub-zero misery.
As of this morning, persistent bands of snow, helped along by the Great Lakes, are depositing one to two inches of snow across the region. This has prompted a Winter Weather Advisory through 9 AM. Commuters caught in the snowfall can expect the usual seasonal challenges battering their sense of ease and warmth, which have been a reasonable expectation until now.
Looking ahead, the brief clear skies some may bask in won't last long. "Isentropic lift develops with 40-45 KT low level jet developing over the area late tonight ahead of the next low pressure system moving into the Great Lakes," detailed the National Weather Service. It's the precursor to another bout of snowfall late tonight and another inch of accumulation on Friday. Given the frosty ground, even a light sprinkling will likely lead to slick and treacherous roadways and footpaths.
Forecasts stretching into next week are just as bleak, if not bleaker. With daytime highs scarcely reaching the teens and wind chills diving into the negatives, the National Weather Service cautions that "now is the time to plan for an extended period of extreme cold by inspecting your residence, vehicle, and have plans in place for outdoor livestock." As for precipitation chances, while the snowfall might be sporadic, residents should keep an eye out for further advisories and possible snow accumulation, especially as another system is expected to sweep through the region Saturday into Sunday.
For all things aviation, those in the sky aren't immune to the wintry conditions either. Flights may face MVFR conditions due to snow showers and lower visibilities.
