Welcome showers, few storms to bring respite from heat wave

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH EAST-CENTRAL OHIO UNTIL 10 P.M

Low pressure over eastern Canada is pushing a cold front through the Ohio Valley, accompanied by several lines of showers, and a few thunderstorms in the southeastern part of the state.

The Storm Prediction Center has included a portion of eastern Ohio in a Slight risk (Level 2 out of 5) through early evening for damaging winds and hail with isolated strong cells.

The combination of early morning rain and leftover clouds are helping cool things down, after a week of 90-degree heat. Afternoon temperatures will only reach the low to mid-80s, although the humidity is still uncomfortable.

Behind the front tonight, we'll feel the effects of a cooler, drier flow of air, with morning readings in the mid-60s and seasonable humidity. High pressure will drift across the Great Lakes on Monday, with lots of sunshine.

However, a return flow from the south will warm things up again on Tuesday into the low 90s, coupled with increasing humidity, which will again push the heat index into the upper 90s.

The next chance for showers and storms comes ahead of a cold front late Tuesday night and Wednesday.

A more comfortable air mass will briefly settle in behind the front later in the week, although heat and humidity will return next weekend, with scattered storms.

Forecast

• Sunday: Mostly cloudy, scattered showers, storms. High 83
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, cooler, less humid. Low 64
• Monday: Mostly sunny, less humid. High 84 
• Tuesday: Mix clouds and sun, warm, sticky. High 89 (63)
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, showers, storms. High 86 (73)
• Thursday: Sunny, less humid. High 82 (63)
• Friday: Sunny, warmer. High 87 (62)
• Saturday: Partly sunny, hot, humid. High 89 (69)