Issued: 8am on Thursday, March 13th 2025
Technical Forecast Discussion
Short-term Forecast (Thursday 03/13/2025 through Saturday 03/15/2025):
On Thursday, a robust high-pressure system anchored over the southeastern United States will extend its influence into the Ohio Valley, resulting in mostly sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures in Athens, Ohio. This stable atmospheric setup will suppress cloud development, providing favorable conditions for observing the total lunar eclipse occurring overnight. The eclipse is set to begin at 11:57 p.m. EDT, reach totality at 2:26 a.m., and conclude by 6:00 a.m. on March 14. On Friday, the high-pressure system is expected to persist, maintaining very warm temperatures and partly sunny skies. However, subtle shifts in the upper-level flow may introduce occasional cloudiness, though precipitation chances remain minimal. Residents can anticipate another day of unseasonably warm conditions. A pronounced mid-level trough is forecasted to progress eastward across the central United States Saturday, accompanied by a surface low-pressure system tracking through the Great Lakes region. The associated cold front is anticipated to approach Ohio on Saturday, leading to increased cloud cover, breezy conditions, and a heightened chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the potential for severe weather in the region during this timeframe, with damaging wind gusts being the primary concern.
Long-term Forecast (Sunday 03/16/2025 through Wednesday 03/19/2025):
In the wake of the frontal passage, residual moisture and lingering instability may result in morning showers. However, as high pressure begins to build in from the west, conditions are expected to improve by the afternoon, with decreasing cloudiness and a return to mild temperatures. On Monday, the influence of the high-pressure system will become more pronounced, leading to cooler temperatures and predominantly sunny skies, indicative of a more stable and dry air mass over the region. Tuesday and Wednesday, the high-pressure system is forecasted to remain in control, resulting in continued dry conditions with ample sunshine. A gradual warming trend is anticipated, with temperatures returning to near or slightly above seasonal averages by midweek. Residents and visitors in Athens should remain attentive to local weather updates, especially concerning the potential for severe weather on Saturday, and adjust plans accordingly to ensure safety.
