Current Forecast Meet the Forecaster

Issued: 8am on Thursday, April 3rd 2025

Technical Forecast Discussion

Short-term Forecast (Thursday 04/03/2025 through Saturday 04/05/2025):

A Flood Watch is in effect for Athens, OH from April 3rd at 2:00 AM until April 6th at 8:00 AM. This flooding is a result of excessive rainfall we will see over the next few days. Higher localized flooding amounts are possible and low-lying and flood-prone locations are most at risk. Be sure to monitor later forecasts and stay alert for possible Flood Warnings and remember, turn around don’t drown! Rainfall will continue throughout Thursday. By Friday, the cold front will slow its eastward progression, allowing for continued rain and embedded thunderstorms. A mid-level shortwave trough will enhance lift across the region, supporting periods of moderate to heavy rain through the day. As the system shifts eastward, a secondary wave developing along the stalled boundary could prolong precipitation into Saturday, with additional rainfall accumulations contributing to potential flooding concerns. Temperatures will remain variable, with a cooling trend expected by the end of the period as northwesterly flow increases behind the departing system.

Long-term Forecast (Sunday 04/06/2025 through Wednesday 04/09/2025):

A shift toward a cooler and more stable pattern is expected as the departing low deepens over the Northeast and a broad upper trough settles into the eastern U.S. Northwest flow aloft will reinforce cold air advection, leading to below-normal temperatures through early next week. Weak disturbances embedded in the flow may bring periods of cloud cover and scattered light precipitation, though significant systems appear unlikely during this period. By midweek, model guidance suggests a potential return to a more zonal flow pattern as high pressure builds over the central U.S. and migrates eastward. This could allow for a gradual moderation in temperatures and drier conditions. However, forecast confidence decreases toward Wednesday, as ensemble spreads indicate the possibility of another system developing upstream, which may bring the next chance for precipitation by the latter half of the week.