Issued: 8pm on Sunday, September 10th 2023
Technical Forecast Discussion
Short-term Forecast (Sunday 9/10/23 through Wednesday 9/13/23):
Sunday night, Athens will be just west of an upper-level shortwave trough, which had brought rain chances earlier that afternoon. Slightly higher surface pressure will begin to build during the overnight hours, as there is minor upper-level ridging to the NW. Therefore, dry conditions are expected overnight. This minor ridging will continue on Monday, meaning a fair day is in store for the start of the work week. However, this will not last as a surface cold front will pass Tuesday with its positively tilted upper-level trough just to the NW. The cold front will bring even cooler air to the region (bringing high temperatures into the low 70s) and light showers for the duration of the day as the low will weaken and eventually close in the upper levels, slowing the system down. Athens and SE Ohio will be located within the right exit of the upper-level jetstreak associated with this system, where convergence or downward motion dominates. This will hopefully prevent any storms from turning severe and causing any major impacts Tuesday. Wednesday, Athens will be located in the base of the upper-level trough and may see some lingering showers behind the cold front during the very early morning hours. However, the surface cold front should be well east by the afternoon, and dry conditions will return, but cloudy skies and cooler temperatures (low 70s) will remain.
Long-term Forecast (Thursday 9/14/23 through Saturday 9/16/23):
Thursday high pressure will begin to build in as the low-pressure system continues to slowly head east. The subsidence will allow for sunny skies to return and allow for dry, pleasant conditions. This high pressure will stay in place through at least Saturday creating a beautiful end to the work week and an enjoyable Saturday for a home Bobcat football game!
Synopsis:
Sunday night – Monday: Dry and partly cloudy.
Tuesday: Cold and wet. Rain is expected all day and should not turn severe.
Wednesday: Cool, cloudy, and dry.
Thursday – Saturday: Sunny and dry!
