WILMINGTON, Ohio – Residents should prepare for a stormy and potentially dangerous weekend, as strong winds, severe storms, and heavy rainfall take aim at the region.
Saturday poses the greatest threat, with the potential for damaging winds exceeding 40 mph, strong thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall. While storm coverage remains uncertain, any storms that do develop could become severe, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
Friday Night: A Warm, Windy Setup
A strong low-pressure system will begin moving out of the Central Plains and into the Upper Mississippi River Valley late Friday night. Southerly winds will intensify, ushering in unseasonably warm temperatures near 60 degrees. While most of the night should remain dry, isolated showers and storms may begin developing in the early morning hours.
Saturday: Severe Storms Possible Amid High Winds
Saturday’s weather pattern remains complex, with strong southerly winds and increasing instability providing the ingredients for severe storms. However, uncertainty remains regarding how widespread storm coverage will be. If storms do develop in the afternoon, they could take advantage of moderate instability and strong wind shear, potentially producing damaging winds, hail, and even an isolated tornado.
Regardless of storm activity, southerly winds will be strong, with gusts upwards of 35 to 40 mph throughout the day. Temperatures will soar into the 70s, adding fuel to any storms that form.
Saturday Night: Heavy Rain, Flooding Concerns
The more widespread and impactful weather event may arrive Saturday evening into the overnight hours. A powerful low-level jet will help drive a strong band of heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Ohio Valley. Some forecasts suggest that 2+ inches of rain could fall in less than six hours, leading to a flash flooding risk in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
While these storms are expected to be less severe, the primary concern will be excessive rainfall and localized flooding.
Sunday: Clearing and Cooler Air Moves In
By Sunday morning, a cold front will sweep through, bringing drier and cooler air. Showers and storms will exit, and temperatures will drop back into the 50s and 60s for a calmer end to the weekend.
Looking Ahead
The break from unsettled weather will be short-lived, as milder air returns on Tuesday, when a warm front lifts through the Ohio Valley, setting the stage for another period of southerly winds and potential storm activity later next week.
Residents should stay weather-aware and be prepared for potential flooding and damaging winds. Keep an eye on weather alerts and forecasts, and have a plan in place in case severe weather develops.