The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a forecast that indicates an imminent change in weather patterns for the region. A warm front will bring increased temperatures, followed by a shift to cooler conditions and possible snowfall mid-week.
Today, Cleveland can expect dry and breezy conditions with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 40s, a slight reprieve from the cold wind gusts hitting the area, which are slated to die down later in the morning, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight, the region is bracing for an uptick in cloud coverage as a warm front lifts northeastward, bringing both a spike in overnight temperatures and prospects of rain late into the night through Monday, totaling a possible 0.25-0.50 inches across the forecast area, the precipitation combined with existing snowpack could lead to concerns of minor flooding in parts of Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.
The shift in weather is expected to continue into the short term. A sizable mid/upper longwave trough will dig into the central CONUS before moving towards the Great Lakes, pulling a strong cold front through the area on Tuesday. Conditions could further deteriorate with a wave of low pressure potentially compounding rainfall amounts, and the ensuing snowmelt risks minor flooding, especially in counties such as Ashtabula and Erie, the service advised. Arctic air following the cold front is expected to turn rain into snow late Tuesday into Wednesday, setting the stage for a significant lake-effect snow scenario.
In the long term, lake-effect snow is projected to persist through Thursday and into Friday, given the very cold air temperatures, which could lead to heavy snowfall depending on wind directions and band position, per the NWS forecast. The remainder of the week could see a brief cessation of snow before another predicted weather system arrives Saturday, with temperatures making a slow ascent from the deep cold earlier in the week.
The aviation outlook indicates deteriorating conditions for flights from Sunday evening onward, with the potential for IFR and perhaps LIFR conditions advancing from west to east starting at 05Z/Monday. According to forecasts, mariners will see a Small Craft Advisory on Lake Erie continuing until Sunday afternoon as winds and waves diminish. Overland travelers and those hoping to fly are advised to stay abreast of weather updates as the conditions will likely affect transportation across various modes.
