Cleveland residents, brace yourselves for a cold snap. As per the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a series of cold fronts and low-pressure systems is set to bring convective showers today and a chill that's likely to culminate in lake effect snow early next week. The first installment of rain arrives later this morning, potentially dousing the area with up to a third of an inch before a secondary front hits tonight with less rainfall. It's a brief warm patch today before a temperature tumble on Saturday follows the frontal passage.
The NWS advisory notes a "much colder pattern" developing beyond the weekend, driven by an upper trough axis from the northern plains and a low-pressure system shaping up over the Mississippi Valley. By Sunday evening, even the obstinate Ohio Valley will be shivering with 850mb temperatures dipping to nearly -10C, thereby setting the stage for pronounced lake effect precipitation, especially Sunday night through Monday night. Snow is likely, with lorain County and areas to the east/southeast anticipating several inches, while lighter dustings are in store for the rest of the region.
Those looking beyond the frosty forecasts for a reprieve can expect temperate conditions midweek. Despite a persistent upper-level trough over the eastern US, temperatures could rebound into the 40s, close to 50 degrees, in the midst of passing low-pressure systems that keep chances of precipitation on the table. Meanwhile, high pressure will likely linger over the Intermountain West, according to NWS.
Aviation-wise, VFR conditions presently prevail, but flights may hit turbulence with rain showers curbing visibility till early Saturday. Gusts could get aggressive, bouncing between 20 and 30 knots as the fronts sweep through. Come evening, gusts should ease up and veer west to northwest by Saturday's start. "Prolonged non-VFR conditions possible through Tuesday evening with lake effect rain/snow showers across northeast Ohio, and northwest Pennsylvania," the NWS warns. Mariners, keep life jackets handy. A Small Craft Advisory echoes the unsettled conditions at sea, pegging waves at 3-6 feet with stronger winds over the central to eastern basins till early Saturday. Gales loom as a potential threat later in the weekend through mid next week, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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