Bitter Cold!

This has definitely been a snowy and cold start to the year and, it will not get much better in the next five (5) days. A long duration snow event is winding down across the area after producing 6 to 12 inches of snow. Today will be a cold day with day time temperatures not reaching 20 degrees. This weekend will see temperatures moderating into the lower 30's before the next Arctic front arrives Sunday. A wave of low pressure will develop along this front and will bring a general snowfall to much of the area. Once the front passes, temperatures will fall through the day Monday until temperatures early Tuesday approach negative ten (-10) degrees. This cold air combined with strong winds will produce dangerous wind chills. Looking ahead all is not gloom for the Eastern USA. A ridge will replace the trough currently over the region by the weekend allowing temperatures to quickly rise to and possibly exceed normal.

Currently a ridge of high pressure is moving across the area shutting off the lake effect snow and setting the stage for high temperatures to rebound into the lower 30's for the weekend. 

On Sunday the Arctic front will be moving through Ohio with a rapidly deepening low pressure moving northeast along it through the Ohio Valley. Currently much of Northeast Ohio looks to be in line for 3-6 inches of snow from the system with additionally amounts likely from lake effect.

 The system will moving through quickly overnight Sunday allowing bitterly cold air to rush into the Ohio Valley on gusty  northerly winds. After highs are reached on Sunday, temperatures may not stop falling until they are below zero Tuesday morning. At this time it appears temperatures Tuesday morning will be around negative ten (-10) with wind chill values approaching negative thirty-five (-35) degrees. These conditions will be dangerously cold and proper precautions to cover up and limit time outdoors should be made.

The arctic high pressure will move east of the area on Wednesday allowing a moderation of temperatures to begin.

By Thursday, the Arctic high has pushed off the Eastern Seaboard.  Please note the zonal airflow across Southern Canada. This will block Arctic air from flowing south into the Continental USA setting the stage for a rapid warm-up.

Looking ahead in the 6 to 14 day range, above normal temperatures are predicted for all areas east of the Rocky Mountains. This is will be a welcome break for individuals who are winter weary.