Issued: 8am on Thursday, January 1st 2026
Technical Forecast Discussion
Key Messages:
- Stable conditions will return as high-pressure fills into the region.
- Temperatures will begin to warm come Friday as a minor ridge develops.
- Rain may return on Wednesday as a weak low-pressure system skirts just north of the region.
Short-Term Forecast (Thursday 01/01/2026 through Saturday 01/03/2026):
A cold front moved over the region overnight, bringing a slightly drier, cold air mass into Ohio. Clouds will remain in the region as the backside of a trough lingers. High-pressure will remain steady over much of the Great Lakes region for majority of the forecast, keeping conditions stable. The ridge behind this trough will begin to flatten, but will keep a ridge-like shape, encompassing the region. This ridge will allow slightly warmer temperatures to move northward, making temperatures trend upward in the coming days. Winds are also expected to thankfully calm due to this high-pressure moving in. Clouds will begin to dissipate Thursday night into Friday, but moisture will allow more clouds to form once more. Precipitation is not expected from this, however.
Long-Term Forecast (Sunday 01/04/2026 through Wednesday 01/07/2026):
High-pressure will continue to linger through the Great Lakes, keeping conditions dry and stable. The weak ridge from the short-term will define itself slightly, allowing continual warmth to encapsulate the state. By Tuesday and Wednesday next week temperatures may reach the mid-40s, and while these temperatures are no-where near like they were in the prior week, they are expected to remain steadily in the 40s for the remainder of next week. A ridge will continue through the forecast and into next week, but a very minor shortwave with a weak low alongside it could bring the possibility for rain Wednesday as moisture is brought back into the region by then. Clouds will begin to develop once more come Monday, but the bulk of this cloud cover will likely occur on Wednesday as this chance for rain moves in. Overall, pleasant conditions are expected for the long-term as stable conditions overtake the state for majority of the forecast.
