THE WEEKLY: April 15 - 21

This is a new weekly feature I plan on posting every Sunday on the site to chronicle the week ahead. Don't expect a seven day forecast graphic with temperature predictions, though. This is an overview of the weather systems that'll be affecting our area, and what kind of crappy rollercoaster we're in for over the next week.

Let's start with Winter first.

On the first day of March I posted "Goodbye Winter." Then on the last day of March I posted "Winter's Last Stand." One of these days I'll be right about Winter's eventual exit. For the start of the week it sure doesn't look like Winter's ready to bow out just yet.

We have to start out with the storm system that's blowing through right now. Our 80s and 70s of the past few days have been replaced by 50s and rain, and soon we'll be close to freezing. The temperature map below is probably one of my favorite I've ever seen. A backdoor cold front coliding with a strong Plains system over Eastern Ohio means the end of our Spring-like weather for a few days:

Where you see the 30s crashing in from the west overnight tonight is where our backside snow showers should kick in. 850mb temps will be well below freezing so the CAA circling around this monster low pressure will allow any precip probably to fall in a freezing form for most of the day Monday.

After a cool and blustery Monday and Tuesday, we should have a closer to normal rest of the week with upper 50s and low 60s with some clouds and light winds. Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week before another cold front comes crashing in, but luckily we won't tumble as far Thursday as we will tomorrow.

Overall the Euro weekly's average us out a little below normal on the temps:

Most of the US will feel roughly at or below normal for the week, but I feel like we're finally turning a corner. Our first 80 degree day of the year on Friday really helped bring out the blooms, get the grass to start growing, and make everyone feel like that maybe... just maybe, we'll have Spring yet!

I'll post more this week if anything significant comes up. Luckily we don't have a chance for any accumulating snow or severe weather this week.