Late week storm to change weather pattern for Ohio

Our unseasonably mild fall is about to come to a blustery end next weekend.

Even with our chilly weekend with temperatures dipping into the 20s, our average temperature for the month of November is right around 52 degrees. This is over 5 degrees above normal. However, the latest long-range forecast models are showing a change to our weather pattern just before Thanksgiving week.

A storm system which is just now approaching the Pacific Northwest will move onshore and into the Central Plains by Friday. This system will ramp up strong winds from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border as it strengthens. Cold air will be brought in behind the system allowing for wind-driven snow to blanket the Dakotas into Minnesota to start the coming weekend.

As the storm system moves east, a cold front will cross Ohio this weekend bringing the coldest air of the season so far by early next week. High temperatures in the Miami Valley may not make it out of the 30s by Monday with gusty winds making it feel even colder. What may be even more shocking is the possibility that snowflakes could fly for the first time this season in parts of our area.

While the details of the coming storm system will still have to be worked out over the coming days, almost all of the forecast models show some wrap-around moisture crossing the Great Lakes late Sunday into Monday. This moisture will likely combine with falling temperatures to produce some flurries or even snow showers. The heavier snow will likely be confined to the “snow belt” areas of Ohio and Indiana, however some snowflakes may make it into the area Sunday night or Monday. At this time, snow accumulation is unlikely simply due to the recent mild weather leading to warm ground/surface temperatures.

But whether the snow sticks around or not, the weather for the week of Thanksgiving will likely either put you in the holiday spirit, or force you to the harsh reality that winter is only about five weeks away. At this time, it is too early to tell if any major storm systems will influence holiday travel plans, but we’ll keep you posted.

Eric Elwell is WHIO StormCenter 7 Chief Meteorologist. Contact him at eric.elwell@coxinc.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

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