Bracing for an icy blast, residents in Columbus, Cincinnati, and surrounding areas should expect an increase in snowfall tonight and Saturday. According to a recent update from the National Weather Service Wilmington OH, snow accumulation probabilities have been raised, with over a 70% chance of more than one inch of snow in central, southwest, and southern Ohio. The outlook also warns of “bitterly cold temperatures” forecast from Sunday into Wednesday morning, with the worst expected Tuesday morning.
The NWS bulletin details the movement of a lead mid-level shortwave from the Mid MS Valley through the Great Lakes, which will promote snow accumulation starting early morning through to Saturday. “Expect snow accumulations of several tenths of an inch,” the NWS cautions, which could impact the morning commute, particularly in east central Indiana and west central Ohio. In the wake of this system, a secondary cold front will barrel through later in the evening, bringing potentially challenging travel conditions due to scattered snow showers.
Stepping into the deep freeze, Sunday through Tuesday night will pose a period of extreme cold for the area. “The entire forecast area should expect several days of single-digit wind chills,” the NWS adds, cautioning residents of the health risks associated with such frigid conditions. Monday and Tuesday are on track to be the coldest days, with wind chills dipping to -10 in places north of I-70 and ambient air temperatures hovering near zero degrees…