Residents and travelers in the Cleveland area should brace themselves for a shift in the weather as the National Weather Service in Cleveland updates its forecast. The NWS predicts a mild start to the day with a ridge building from the Lower and Middle Ohio Valley on Friday morning. Still, later, a weak cold front is set to sweep through the region, leaving a trail of mixed precipitation and potentially slick roads this evening into the early hours of Saturday.
The NWS's latest forecast discussion alerts that "intervals of sunshine and WAA at the surface and aloft, ahead of the cold front, are expected to allow this afternoon's highs to reach the mid-30s to lower 40s in NW PA and the upper 30s to lower 40s in northern OH." But as the front approaches, precipitation is forecasted to change from rain to a rain/snow mix and then to all snow, further intensified by dynamic cooling and the wet-bulb effect.
As for the anticipated impact on local travel and outdoor activities, the NWS Cleveland notes, "Snow should be moderate at times (i.e., fall at a rate of 1/2 inch to nearly 1 inch per hour) due to moderately strong ascent maximized in a cloudy DGZ about 1-2 km thick." This transition could lead to disruptions, and travelers are advised to exercise caution. The expected snowfall totals could reach 1-3 inches in the Central Highlands of northern OH as well as the higher terrain of NE OH and NW PA, with localized totals possibly higher along the Lake Erie shore.
The weekend is forecast to bring another ridge into the region, offering respite and leading to fair weather conditions. However, a weak trough on Sunday might trigger isolated showers in Northwest PA and Northeast Ohio, though these events seem low on the NWS's list of concerns. "High pressure reintensifies southeast of the forecast area on Monday and will allow for dry conditions and warming temperatures with highs into the 50s for most," the Service adds.
For mariners, the Great Lakes will face their share of rough conditions as well. The NWS marine forecast warns of "rough marine conditions" persisting through Friday evening due to 20 to 25 knots west winds. While conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, with winds dropping below 15 knots, boaters should stay alert. They are advised to remain vigilant, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, when offshore winds may grow stronger, though not quite reaching advisory levels. It's always better to air on the side of caution when navigating Lake Erie under breezier conditions.
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