Midwest rains in October allowed the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers at Cairo, Illinois, to rise to normal levels for a while. Mostly dry conditions so far in November, and a below normal rainfall forecast in many areas over the next week will let river levels drop below normal again

Rain Returns Late Week

Which bulb produces more near-infrared (NIR) light? Here we have an IR-SENSE photo comparing different light bulbs being operated at the same power. All appear as "warm white" color to the eye but the difference in the amount of invisible NIR light present is

After passage of past weekend system, the Ohio Valley will be, for the most part, dry only the far northeast lakefront and northern fringe could observe light rain over the next few days. Friday and into Saturday, a cold front will usher in the next widespread chance of precip

Portions of the OH Valley continue to see slow improvement when it comes to drought conditions. Illinois, Indiana, NW Ohio and the far eastern portions of the region still have lingering dryness. Additional rain in the week ahead will provide further aid.

Light rain fell yesterday, mainly in NW PA and SW NY. More light rain is forecast for the weekend, mostly south of the Ohio River. Less than 0.4 inches is forecast through Monday morning.

Rain totals were as high as 7-10 inches in portions of northern KY, northeast OH, northwest PA, and western NY. These totals were greater than 200% of normal. Driest parts of northwest OH received less than 0.75 inch, which was less than 50% of normal.

Rain Lingers in the Northeast Ohio Valley

Rain fell on the southwestern half of the Ohio Valley. Heaviest totals were 0.50-1.25 inches in western KY and middle TN. Heaviest amounts still forecast to fall will range from 1.50-2.00 inches in eastern OH, eastern KY, in WV, and western PA. No river flooding is expected.

Over the next five days, most of the Ohio Valley and Lake Erie drainage basin will see rainfall, with the heavier totals mainly staying south of the Ohio River and on the lee side of Lake Erie. Dry conditions will limit runoff, and there is currently no river flooding forecast.

An active weather pattern will bring rain to the Ohio Valley through tonight and again on Tuesday night through Thursday. Rain totals will average 1 to 3 inches (primarily south and east) over the next 5 days.

Heavy Lake Effect Rain Has Tapered Off

Lake Effect Showers downwind of Lake Erie have dropped up heavy rain amounts, especially in northeast Ohio, where over 4.4 inches of rain has fallen. Despite the heavy amounts, no flooding is forecast due to dry soil conditions.

A persistent area of low pressure will remain over the Great Lakes and eastern Canada Wednesday through Friday. Lake effect showers will persist through the 48 hour forecast period. No river flooding is currently forecast.

Lake Effect Rain is in the Forecast

A cold front swept across the area over the weekend, bringing widespread rain. Additional precipitation is possible over the next two days, but given the dry antecedent conditions, no river flooding is forecast.

A cold front is in the process of moving through the Ohio Valley bringing widespread rain. As of Sunday morning, 1 to localized 3+ inches were recorded for the western portions of the OHRFC area. Additional rain is expected through the day as the front continues to push east.

Rain moves into the Ohio Valley this weekend ahead of a cold front, with the highest totals forecast for parts of IN and IL (up to 3", with locally-higher totals). These locations are also some of the driest in the basin, and no river flooding is expected from this rainfall.

Beneficial Rain for the Ohio Valley

Widespread rain moves into the Ohio Valley this weekend. Most areas should see up to 1.25 inches of rain, but locally higher amounts of 2+ inches are likely. No significant hydrologic impact is expected for area rivers, but flash flooding could be a concern.

The rain we received last week allowed a portion of the Ohio Valley to move into the above-normal category for 30-day precipitation, but large areas are still drier than normal. A ridge of high pressure will keep us dry through the week, but rain chances increase this weekend.