Cleveland woke up clear and sitting in the mid-40s this Tuesday morning, but the calm start is not sticking around for long. A quick warm-up is on tap through midweek, with rain moving in late Tuesday night into Wednesday and gusty southwest winds poised to complicate the Wednesday commute.
Midweek Rain And Wind
Rain becomes likely late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with Wednesday shaping up to be the warmest day of the week as highs climb into the upper 50s. Southwest winds around 13–17 mph, with gusts up to 30–40 mph, are possible, and most of the area is expected to see only a few tenths of an inch of rain. A brief rumble of thunder cannot be completely ruled out, according to NWS Cleveland.
Ice And River Concerns
The quick thaw combined with rainfall raises the risk of ice jams along rivers and streams as frozen banks begin to deteriorate. Local fire officials have warned that roughly 200 homes could be vulnerable in some communities, and residents near rivers are urged to sign up for local emergency alerts and have a plan to move to higher ground if needed; see local updates from WOIO. Officials also note that shore ice on Lake Erie may break off, creating hazardous nearshore conditions.
Weekend Turns Cooler With Snow Chances
Temperatures fall back later in the week, with readings closer to the low 50s by Thursday and the low 40s on Saturday. That sets up a colder weekend and a chance of light snow on Sunday. Some snow-belt locations could pick up an inch or two Sunday into Sunday night if the track favors inland moisture and colder air is in place, according to NWS Cleveland.
How To Prepare
Plan on carrying an umbrella and allowing extra time for slower travel on Wednesday morning, and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the gusty winds. Avoid walking on river or lake ice, keep an eye on local emergency alerts, and check the latest forecast from NWS Cleveland, as conditions can change quickly.
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