Cleveland's weather forecast has taken an interesting turn this weekend, with the National Weather Service predicting cooler temperatures and a possibility of lake-enhanced showers, particularly in northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania into early next week. NWS Cleveland latest report shows an upper trough affecting the region, which is expected to give way to high pressure by Monday.
Updated earlier this morning, the forecast continues to hold steady, with only isolated showers anticipated for today and increased chances of rain, and possibly thunder, come Sunday. Temperatures this weekend will also dip below the norm, with daytime highs resting comfortably in the 70s. As for the evening, lows could drop into the low to mid-50s, though proximity to the warmer Lake Erie waters might push shoreline temperatures into the low to mid-60s.
Looking ahead, the "seasonably-cool weather will persist for early next week," as according to the NWS Cleveland, the region remains under a troughing pattern. Beginning Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday, more scattered lake-effect rain showers are a possibility, with a chance of lightning strikes. However, the approach of a weak upper-level ridge and subsequent surface high-pressure late Monday into Tuesday heralds a gradual end to lake-effect precipitation and a drier forecast.
The marine outlook for Lake Erie isn't as calm. The NWS has extended small craft advisories across much of the lake due to west-to-northwest winds reaching up to 22 knots. Despite an early cancellation of the Erie, OH, area, the choppy conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, with possible extensions into Monday morning for the eastern part of the lake. The waterspout threat also lingers, thanks to the cool air, across the lake into Monday, with quieter conditions predicted as the week progresses.
As for aviators, VFR conditions are predominantly expected throughout the period, but scattered to broken mid-level clouds and isolated showers may affect flights, particularly in northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania. Cleveland's NWS anticipates west and northwest winds gusting around 20 knots this afternoon, calming by nightfall. Pilots and passengers should expect these weather patterns to continue influencing flight conditions through Sunday night, with a focus on the aforementioned regions.
