FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – It’s a much colder start to the day thanks to yesterday’s cold front. Morning lows slip near freezing by sunrise, but another mild afternoon is in store. High temperatures approach the 60-degree mark by the late afternoon. Skies remain partly to mostly sunny.
The warmer trend continues as we push near 70 by Friday. That warmer weather also comes with an opportunity for storms in the Midwest. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 (Enhanced) Risk for a large chunk of the Midwest including cities like St. Louis, Memphis, Springfield, Evansville, and Peoria. This ‘focus area’ for severe weather is outside of our region, but weakening storms could make it into eastern Indiana which is why the Storm Prediction Center has put most of 21Country is a Level 1 (Marginal) Risk for severe weather for Friday night. We’ll continue to monitor the storm set-up as we get closer to Friday.
First Alert Weather Day- Saturday: Besides the uncertainty for storm development (locally) on Friday night, a windy pattern will lock in for the beginning of the weekend as the weather system responsible for rain and storms moves through. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 40-50 mph on Saturday. These gusty winds will make outdoor St. Paddy’s weekend festivities uncomfortable and could pose a risk for damage to large tent set-ups. Periods of rain will accompany the wind, but while the wind will be most of the day, the rain will let up at times. A few lingering showers could lead into early Sunday morning, but we look to dry up by midday. Sunday and Monday will look better for outdoor St. Patrick’s festivities.
Today: Partly to mostly sunny; High 60; Wind E 5-10…