Summary
High temperatures reached 90°F in Toledo and Findlay on Monday for the first time in 2024. Temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s are well above the average highs in the low to mid 70s for middle May standards. Overall, temperatures through May 19th ran 2-6°F above the long-term mean (Fig. 1). Following a very wet April including a record monthly total of 7.94” in Toledo, precipitation in May has ranged from 1-3” across northwest counties, to 4-6” across parts of Highland, Adams, Scioto, Pike, and Jackson Counties. Overall, western and northern Ohio are running below average (50-100% of normal) for the month, despite rainfall occurring on 11 out of the first 19 days in many locations. For the latest up-to-date conditions, seasonal outlooks, and monthly climate summaries, please visit the State Climate Office of Ohio.
Figure 1. Differences from average temperature for May 1-19, 20245. Figure courtesy of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (https://mrcc.purdue.edu/).
Weather Forecast
The hot conditions that started on Sunday, will continue across Ohio through Tuesday with highs in the mid 80s to low 90s across the state. A few widely scattered storms are possible as well across Ohio on Tuesday. A cold front will bring more widespread showers and storms on Wednesday with highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s. Scattered showers and storms along with cooler highs in the 70s will stick around Thursday and Friday. The weekend will feature highs back into the upper 70s to mid 80s with a continued chance for scattered showers and storms. The Weather Prediction Center is currently forecasting 0.75-2.00” northeast to southwest over the next 7 days, with localized heavier amounts (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Precipitation forecast from the Weather Prediction Center for 8pm Monday May 20, – 8pm Monday May 27, 2024
The 6-10 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show greater probability of above average temperatures and precipitation (Fig. 3). Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 73-77°F, a low-temperature range of 50-55°F, and weekly total precipitation of 0.90-1.20”.
Figure 3. Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Outlook valid for May 26 – 30, 2024, for left) temperatures and right) precipitation. Colors represent the probability of below, normal, or above normal conditions.