Thunderstorms return to area; expect rain, lightning until Monday evening

MANSFIELD — Thunderstorms could return Monday as predictions for dipping temperatures move in for the next two days. 

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has predicted “strong to severe” thunderstorms starting around noon and lasting until 6 p.m. Monday in the northeast to north central regions, including Richland, Ashland and Knox counties.

Cities like Mansfield, Ashland and Mount Vernon are at “marginal risk” for thunderstorms. 

The high for Monday is 81, with a low of 51. Temperatures are expected to dip down to 66 on Tuesday and 76 on Wednesday, NWS predictions indicate. 

Monday’s forecast follows NWS’ hazardous weather outlook issued Friday for most of the state.

Knox County was under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. Friday, but none were reported to have touched down. 

The state’s first confirmed tornado of 2021 went to Mercer County, near Fort Recovery. The tornado was reported to have been moving east at 30 mph, according to NWS.