Ohio’s stretch of dry, warm autumn weather is about to come to an end as moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Polo streams toward the state from the central plains.
Most of Ohio will stay dry and pleasant through Wednesday, with mostly sunny skies and highs climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s — around 82 in Columbus. Clouds will thicken over northern Ohio late Wednesday afternoon and evening, and a couple of showers can’t be ruled out in far northwest Ohio.
The best rain potential arrives overnight Thursday through Friday and into early Saturday. Forecasters expect rain totals of a quarter-inch to 1.5 inches across about 100% of the state as the hurricane’s remains sweep through — a welcome soaking for areas that have been dry in recent days, but one that could make Friday travel slick.
Drivers should prepare for wet roads and reduced visibility during heavier downpours Friday, especially during the morning and evening commutes. Low-lying areas and poor-drainage spots could see brief ponding of water.
The good news for weekend plans: Ohio goes back to a dry pattern for the balance of the weekend and much of next week, with precipitation-free conditions expected through Wednesday, Oct. 7.
A minor front will try to sweep through the Great Lakes on Thursday, Oct. 8. While moisture looks limited mostly to far northern and northeast Ohio, the bigger story will be the cold air arriving behind it — Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th look quite chilly, with frost possible in central and northern parts of the state. The next well-organized and significant threat of rain and thunderstorms appears closer to Oct. 14.
