Hello Cold!!! (Updated)

As predicted a strong front has pushed east across the country opening the door for the coldest air so far this winter season to arrive out of Canada. This system allowed high temperatures to rise into the middle and upper fifties (50’s) on Saturday and Sunday in Cleveland before colder air and snow showers were ushered into the region late Sunday. The storm system also produced several tornadoes across southern Mississippi and Alabama. Thankfully there was no loss of life from these storms. This week is setting up to be the coldest week of the winter season with a couple snow events affecting the area. By the end of the weekend temperatures are still expected to rise back towards normal.

Currently very cold air is moving into the region from Canada. High temperatures for the day were set during the morning as temperatures have steadily dropped into the lower teens (10’s) with sub-zero wind chills.  Overnight an Alberta clipper will move into the Ohio Valley spreading two to four (2-4) inches of snowfall across northern Ohio. On Tuesday high temperatures should rise into the lower 20’s.

On Wednesday a fresh blast of arctic air will be affecting the region. High temperatures will remain in the lower to middle teens (10’s) on Wednesday and Thursday. Lake effect snow will be ongoing with the highest totals occurring east of Cleveland. 

Lake effect snowfall amounts from overnight Tuesday through Thursday morning will be in the four to eight (4-8) inch range for much of the area. Isolated amounts near one (1) foot will also be possible in snow belt areas east and south of Cleveland. Lake effect snow is notoriously tricky so keep in mind that a forecast bust is entirely possible. 

On Friday a reinforcing shot of cold air will arrive but it will be a glancing hit. High temperatures will hold around twenty (20)  with lake effect snow a good possibility across northeastern Ohio.

On Saturday high pressure should push into the area ending the lake effect snow. High temperatures will rise into the middle twenties (20's). High temperatures will rise to near thirty (30) degrees on the back side of the high pressure on Sunday.