Wednesday is starting sticky in Cleveland, with muggy air, partial clouds, and temperatures lounging in the low 60s. The quiet will not last. Multiple waves of showers and thunderstorms are expected today and into Thursday, and that combo of heavy rain and gusty winds is poised to tangle commutes and wash out outdoor plans.
When The Heaviest Rain Falls
Showers and thunderstorms are likely through the day, especially before mid-afternoon, with highs near 78°F before sliding back into the low 70s later on. The first round alone could drop about one-half to three-quarters of an inch of rain. Tonight will tack on more, bringing totals of 1 to 2 inches by Thursday, with some unlucky spots picking up 2 to 4 inches. That rainfall outlook comes from the National Weather Service.
Severe Threat And Flooding
The main severe threat today is damaging wind gusts, especially as storms start to organize this afternoon. Isolated tornadoes or large hail are not the most likely outcomes, but they cannot be ruled out. Repeated storms tracking over the same areas may trigger urban and small-stream flooding, and a Flood Watch is in effect for parts of northwest Ohio. Low-lying and poorly drained spots will be the first to see water rise quickly.
What To Do Now
Be ready for sudden downpours that can slash visibility and cause ponding on city streets. Avoid driving through standing water, leave extra space between cars, and slow down on slick roads. We have updated our earlier post from Tuesday with fresh timing and impacts. For background on how this storm pattern set up, see our earlier storm-train alert.
Looking Ahead
There may be a brief breather on Friday before another, stronger round of storms rolls in Saturday, again bringing the chance of heavy rain and gusty winds. Highs will rebound into the mid-70s through Saturday, then much cooler air moves back in on Sunday. Keep tabs on the forecast before locking in weekend plans, since shifts in storm placement could still shuffle who sees the worst of the weather.
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