Saturday, May 16 is starting off calm in Cleveland, with clear skies and temperatures near 57°F. That quiet early morning will not stick around for long, as forecasters expect showers and scattered thunderstorms to build in later this morning and into the afternoon.
Afternoon Storm Window
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely Saturday, May 16 between about 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with the most widespread activity roughly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rainfall should stay on the lighter side overall, generally a tenth to a quarter of an inch, though brief heavy downpours are still on the table. The National Weather Service in Cleveland puts much of the area at a 60 to 70 percent chance of afternoon storms and notes that a few isolated storms could produce damaging wind gusts; see NWS Cleveland.
Gusty Wind Risk And Commute Impacts
The main concern in the short term is strong, localized wind. A few sturdier cells could crank out 50 to 60 mph gusts, enough to knock down small branches and send unsecured patio furniture for a ride. South to southwest winds will increase through the afternoon, with gusts into the 20s at times. That combination of gusty winds, quick downpours, and any scattered debris could make for tricky driving, especially on major routes. Expect slower travel and potential delays for evening plans, so leave a little extra time and keep an eye on the radar.
Tonight Into Early Week
Showers may linger into Saturday night before skies trend mostly cloudy, with a low near 60°F. Sunday, May 17, is expected to warm into the mid 80s with another chance of afternoon storms. Monday and Tuesday are on track to turn significantly hotter, with highs in the upper 80s to around 90°F and some spots flirting with record values. It is a continuation of the active pattern that has been hanging around this month; see our recent look at blustery Lake Erie showers for context.
How To Prepare
Plan on a rain jacket if you are out during the afternoon and secure loose outdoor items before the storms fire up. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, move indoors, stay away from windows, and avoid flooded roads. Keep tabs on local updates and the latest forecast from the NWS. For lakeshore and boating plans, be ready for gusty southwest winds and choppy waves from late today into early next week.
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