Clouds and a raw chill are hanging over Cleveland this Sunday morning, March 8, with temperatures stuck near 40°F as people head out the door. It is a quiet start that will not last long. A surge of warm, wet air is set to barrel in, only to be shoved out by a sharp cold front later in the week.
Midweek Rain And Thunder
Steady rain is expected to move in Tuesday night, March 10, and carry through Wednesday, March 11, featuring two main rounds of heavier showers with a brief break in between. Forecasters say much of the region faces a medium-to-high chance of picking up at least an inch of rain in that window, with even higher totals possible to the west. Thunderstorms are also in play from Tuesday night into Wednesday, and any heavy downpours could trigger brief flooding in low-lying spots, so commuters and pedestrians should plan around the puddles, according to the National Weather Service Cleveland.
Wednesday Night Into Thursday - Rain To Snow
Once the cold front pushes through late Wednesday night, March 11, into Thursday morning, March 12, temperatures will tumble into the low 30s. As that colder air settles in, rain may briefly mix with or flip to snow. Any new accumulation is expected to stay light, generally under an inch for most neighborhoods, but some slick spots could develop overnight as road surfaces cool down.
What This Means For Your Commute
Drivers should be ready for slowdowns on wet roads Wednesday morning and again Wednesday evening. Heavy rain can cut visibility and lead to ponding on low-lying streets. Transit riders may want to build in a little extra buffer time and keep an eye on service updates. For more background on how this pattern has been evolving, see our March 7 report, Wet, Wild Ride Home.
Bottom Line
Get ready for a soaking from Tuesday night into Wednesday, followed by a brisk cooldown and a brief shot at rain changing to snow late Wednesday night into Thursday. Keep an umbrella within reach, keep tabs on updates from the National Weather Service, and be prepared for the forecast to shift quickly as the week unfolds.
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