Enjoy a Warm Weekend Ahead in Toledo and Prepare for Potential Spring Storms

Good news for Toledo residents! This weekend is shaping up to be a fantastic one, with beautiful weather on the horizon. According to Meteorologist Ross Ellet from WTVG, we can expect warmer temperatures as we move into next week. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy what the city has to offer while soaking up some sunshine.

Toledo’s event calendar is packed with activities to keep you entertained. Whether you’re interested in national touring concerts, performing arts, craft fairs, festivals, kid-friendly fun, or sporting events, there’s something for everyone. Our rejuvenated downtown and surrounding suburbs are bustling with energy and fun things to do. If you have your own event that you think will appeal to Toledo visitors, you can submit the details for consideration.

Looking ahead, we need to be mindful of the upcoming severe weather season. Toledo, like much of northwest Ohio, is no stranger to spring thunderstorms. These months bring milder yet wetter weather, with severe storms becoming more common. The WTOL 11 weather team is here to keep you informed and safe during this season. They’ll cover topics like what is normal for this time of year, what to expect, and the impact of climate change on our weather patterns.

Historically, severe weather in the Ohio River Valley, including northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, peaks in late April and early May. While tornadoes are relatively rare in our region, they are not unheard of. The last occurrence was in May 2022, with an EF-1 tornado near Monroeville. It served as a reminder of the power of these storms, even if they’re infrequent in our area compared to Tornado Alley.

Yet, damaging weather can still strike. The corridor from western Indiana and Illinois to Missouri and Kentucky is particularly prone to severe storms and tornadoes. Even though Toledo doesn’t see as much activity, it’s crucial to stay alert during the spring months. The WTOL 11 weather team is committed to ensuring you are the first to know about any hazardous weather headed our way.

Climate change is expected to make severe weather more common in our region. Higher temperatures and increased moisture from evaporation have turned up the storm energy, making thunderstorms more potent. In the last decade, Toledo has seen an increase in spring temperatures and subsequently more moisture available for thunderstorm development.

While the frequency of severe storms in traditional Tornado Alley Regions like western Nebraska and eastern Colorado has declined, the Midwest areas including Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois have observed more frequent tornadic thunderstorms. Due to this eastward shift, Ohio and Michigan may see more severe storms moving forward. Spring seasons might start earlier with increased storm energy.

Although Toledo is not anticipated to become part of Tornado Alley, the region can expect more frequent storms in the coming years. This means we all need to be vigilant and prepared. As severe weather rounds the corner from March into April, having a plan in place for potentially hazardous conditions is more important than ever.

As always, the WTOL 11 weather team will be here to guide you through whatever Mother Nature brings. Stay informed and be prepared to ensure everyone's safety during the unpredictable spring storm season.