Much of northern Ohio is “abnormally dry” thanks to recent 90-degree days and little rain.
A heat wave has been taking hold over Ohio for the past week and appears likely to finally loosen its grip on Sunday, when the best chance for widespread rain presents itself, along with some more seasonable temperatures in the 80s.
The National Drought Mitigation Center says all of Greater Akron is considered abnormally dry — the agency’s lowest drought status.
Heat wave in Ohio: Where can I swim in Summit County Public Pools?
Impacts so far in northern Ohio may include slowed crop growth and a drop in local pond levels.
About 55% of Ohio is considered abnormally dry.
When will the heat wave end?
The National Weather Service heat advisory remains in effect through Saturday night.
With temperatures in the 90s on Friday and Saturday, the weather service says the so-called true wind chill will be around 100 degrees, especially on Saturday.
There is also a chance of heavy thunderstorms this coming weekend.
“Showers and storms will be more likely on Sunday under cover of a cold front,” the weather service said. “Saturday and Sunday’s storms could reach strong to severe limits, with strong, damaging winds and large hail possible.”
The heat wave, with its daily temperatures in the 90s, is expected to break out on Sunday with the arrival of storms and a cold front.
Temperatures are still expected to be around 80 degrees next week.
What are the weekend forecasts?
Friday: Some rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values rising to 96. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Light and variable winds.
Saturday: After 3 p.m. a few showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values rising to 99. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday night: A few showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m., then a small chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday: A small chance of showers and thunderstorms, then likely showers and possibly thunderstorms after 8am. Partly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and a half inch are possible.
Sunday night: Chance of rain and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts less than one-tenth of an inch, except higher amounts are possible with thunderstorms.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high in the low 90s.
Tuesday night: After 2 a.m. a chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday: Chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday night: Chance of thunder. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
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This article originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal: Greater Akron is showing signs of drought, but rain could arrive this weekend
