Marginal Severe Weather Threat Tonight with a tranquil weekend in store

...8:25PM, April 17th, 2024...

This evening, some severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are impacting eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia, where a Tornado Watch is in effect. These will likely weaken as they move into the area due to the elevation interference the Appalachians will provide. For the most part, scattered rain showers can be expected, although an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. At this time, the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center is listing a marginal threat for severe weather across the region, with the predominant threat being a 5% to 15% chance of a thunderstorm capable of producing wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH occurring within 25 miles of a given location. The most likely time for these storms would be during the overnight hours.

Moving into Thursday, temperatures will be similar to Wednesday's, with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s. No precipitation is expected but skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy. Winds will also pick up a little bit, with gusts up to 25 MPH expected.  Overnight lows will drop into the 40s. 

Another chance for rain returns on Friday. However, these showers will be scattered, and many areas may not see any precipitation. An isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, but one reaching severe levels seems unlikely as of now. Temperatures will run a good bit cooler, with highs only forecasted to reach from the mid-50s to low 60s. For the most part, during the day and through the nighttime, clouds will remain over the area keeping low temperatures a bit warmer overnight, in the upper 40s to mid-50s. 

Over the rest of the weekend, calm and tranquil weather is anticipated, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. However, skies will remain partly to mostly cloudy.

...Forecaster Zach...