The Midwest is bracing for another bout with Old Man Winter, with forecasters emphasizing a trio of concerns: chilly mornings, impending snow, and bone-chilling temperatures on the horizon. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington OH, some parts of southeast Indiana, southern Ohio, and northern Kentucky should prepare to quickly shovel up to three inches of snow come Tuesday into the evening.
Monday's weather sees "another bitter morning with some very light snow possible today," but it's just the appetizer to what’s rolling in. Forecasters are warning that Tuesday will deliver accumulating snowfall set to impact the daily shimmer of transportation and the quiet of schoolyards. While areas north of Dayton to Columbus will see less fluff, power out to an inch, places like Wilmington and Indianapolis should lay brined roads for the potential of heavier, localized banding of snow.
The NWS forecast discussion notes that a shortwave will cross the area today, leading to a north-to-south aligned band of light snow. The silver lining for those not fond of wintry mixes is that “moisture into the DGZ decreases" following this band's passage, which may result in "a period of freezing drizzle for a couple of hours."
Looking ahead to Thursday and Friday, another system, a clipper, is set to cruise across the region. However, uncertainties remain about the precise impacts. Not to split hairs, but forecasters do seem to agree on one thing – “the next blast of bitterly cold temperatures” is to make sure to come and hit hard. With a frigid encore, the freeze is predicted to bring temperatures down to the single digits, so brace yourself for another weekend wrapped in fleece. All this being said, rebounding temperatures into the following work week provide a much-welcomed light at the end of this frosty tunnel.
For those with wings, the skies aren't looking too friendly either. The NWS outlook points to "MVFR to IFR ceilings" that will continue through Tuesday night, with light snow potentially muddying up visibility. The advice for folks at the helm of airborne travel – stay sharp on course and keep an eye on those ever-shifting skies.
