2 weeks Ago By Amber Reed
Residents in Columbus and Cincinnati hunker down as the National Weather Service has forecasted a raucous weekend. With a warm front sweeping north across the region, pockets of unseasonably warm conditions are expected to continue today, with temperatures aiming for record highs in the mid to upper 70s. According to the National Weather Service forecast discussion, "a strong weather system will move through the region this weekend," leading to "widespread showers and a chance for thunderstorms, along with gusty winds and a heavy rain potential.
"For citizens winding through their Friday, the breeze may be anything but gentle, as "winds will increase through the day with some gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range possible through the afternoon hours." With spring's full bloom not yet upon us, an "enhanced fire risk may develop through the afternoon," according to the National Weather Service, especially across southeastern areas, where drier air may settle simply due to the effect of warm air advection. Fire advisories are not off the table.
Therefore, vigilance is key.The weekend, however, comes bearing a gale of a different spirit. A Wind Advisory is set to take effect from 2 AM to 8 PM EDT Saturday, impacting roughly the western two-thirds of Ohio, as well as parts of Kentucky and Indiana.
"The surface pressure gradient will continue to tighten," per NWS report, leading to an uptick in blustery conditions as a strong low-pressure system works its magic across the western Great Lakes.Furthermore, Saturday night might brew something more potent, with the potential for rainfall exceeding 2 inches, particularly in the Tri-State area. Global ensemble guidance illuminates this possibility, though finer details will be honed as short-term forecasts crystalize.
The finale of the weekend promises a decrease in showers post-frontal passage, with cooler, drier air taking center stage through Monday. This will usher in a brief respite before a fresh wave of mild air midweek preludes another likely rain bringer come week's end.The weather's antics could complicate air travel if you plan to take to the skies.
"Some LLWS will develop this evening and continue through the overnight hours as a strong low level jet shifts east across the mid Ohio Valley," the NWS advises. Coupled with showers and storms scudding in on Saturday morning, aviators and travelers should anticipate some snags. MVFR conditions with showers and thunderstorms are expected to carry into Saturday night, along with rather gusty winds, hitting over 35 knots at times.
It's a weekend of watching the weather, indeed..
