Weather Alert Day: How much snow to expect

WEATHER ALERT DAY

Winter will make a comeback this weekend, starting with a burst of snow arriving this afternoon and increasing in intensity by the evening rush hour, tapering off toward midnight.

Temperatures will only rise into the mid-30s, as clouds thicken. A fast-moving system will bring several inches of snow this evening, coupled with a dip in temperatures that will quickly make roads slushy to slick.

The snowfall in central Ohio will average 2 to 4 inches, with less in far north and south. A narrow band of 3 to 4 inches is most likely a little south of the I-70 corridor, though the exact placement could shift, depending on if the storm strengthens.

Temperatures tumbling into the low 20s later tonight will make for slippery travel due to snow-covered roads and some icing. Youngsters will have the opportunity to finally break out those little-used sleds over the weekend.

Snow has been mostly absent this winter, with only 5.4 inches in the Columbus area for the season, and no measurable snow since Jan. 20, when we received a little more than 2 inches. The snow drought has been widespread across the Midwest in a very mild winter, running as much as 10 to 25 inches below normal.

Cold, dry air will follow the storm, as high pressure builds in from the north, with temperatures struggling to reach freezing later on Saturday. There will be a mix of sun and clouds, along with a few snow flurries.

Sunday will be breezy and a little milder in the afternoon (near 40 degrees). A warming trend will commence early next week, as temperatures rebound into the 50s.

The warmest day will be Wednesday, when strong southerly winds will push readings to near 60 degrees, along with an increase in clouds as moisture streams northward. Rain is likely on Thursday, followed by much cold weather.