TOLEDO, Ohio — With Thanksgiving approaching, you may be wondering when wintry weather will finally arrive. After a mild start to November, the WTOL 11 weather team has issued an Alert Day for Thursday as a significant change in the weather pattern ushers in a cold breeze, dropping temperatures, and our first snowflakes of the season.
When will the wintry weather strike, how will it impact your plans, and what do you need to do to plan ahead? Meteorologist John Burchfield answers those questions below.
When
The WTOL 11 weather team was the first to let you know about an impactful shift in the weather pattern.
An Alert Day remains in effect for Thursday, November 21 as a strong cold front doses out Arctic air and wintry precipitation.
Frigid air from the northwest, will usher in a chilly airmass by Wednesday evening. Temperatures will plummet to the mid 30s Wednesday night, allowing a few wet snowflakes to mix in with the chilly rain showers.
The biggest weather impacts from this November storm will arrive Thursday morning, continuing throughout the day. You'll feel a much colder breeze as a cold front sweeps in behind this system.
Rain and snow showers may linger into Friday as the system departs, and the cold wind will continue into the start of the weekend.
This system will signal a shift toward a winter-like weather pattern with highs in the 40s likely into the week of Thanksgiving.
Impact
Snow, rain, wind and cold will impact outdoor activities Thursday.
The intrusion of Arctic air will enable our first snowflakes of the season to fly. Any accumulation will be slushy and confined to grassy surfaces and higher elevations, but wet roadways will contribute to slower travel and commuting Thursday.
Outdoor activities will feel downright miserable with rain and snow falling and the wind howling. Westerly winds will be sustained at 20-25 mph, gusting from 30-35 mph in the wake of this powerful November cold front. The gusty breeze coupled with dropping temperatures will lead to a wind chill in the 20s Thursday afternoon.
You'll need the heavy winter coat, hat and gloves for outdoor plans.
The frigid feel will continue into Friday as lingering rain and snow showers gradually taper off. The greatest chance for widespread precipitation will shift into eastern Ohio Friday, but the lingering cold airmass and gusty breeze will make for a bitter feel.
Temperatures will plunge to the 30s Friday evening for opening night of Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas, and wind chills will drop to the 20s as the west wind persists.
You'll continue to feel the change in the weather pattern over the weekend with highs in the 40s and a brisk breeze. A few lingering snow showers may impact the BG Holiday Parade Saturday morning.
Need
This storm system might not pose significant travel impacts, but it will bring nuisance weather conditions for outdoor activities. Now is the time to plan ahead and adjust outdoor plans accordingly.
Winter weather gear, including a coat, hat and gloves will be necessary if you're heading outdoors. Storing extra winter weather apparel in your car in case of emergency is also recommended as the winter season approaches.
As you're preparing the kids for school next week, pack the umbrella and rain gear with several rainy days ahead. Thursday, heavier winter coats will be needed along with mittens, gloves, hats and earmuffs.
Keep the winter clothing items handy even after the Alert Day, as the colder weather pattern will extend into next weekend and likely the week of Thanksgiving.
Though widespread snow accumulation is not expected, travel may be a bit slower than usual with wet road conditions, so drive cautiously with the windshield wipers and headlights turned on. Allow extra time for travel and check radar on the free WTOL 11 weather app before heading out.