Cleveland commuters are slogging through a gray, soggy start on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with temperatures near 57°F at Burke Lakefront Airport after overnight showers and a few thunderstorms. The main band of rain dropped roughly a quarter to a half-inch in spots and is expected to taper from west to east by midday. Until then, count on a blustery ride with west winds of 15 to 20 mph, gusts up to 30 mph, afternoon highs around 63°F, and a cool-down into the mid-50s later in the day.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
According to NWS Cleveland, scattered thunderstorms may hang on through early morning before becoming more spotty by late morning. The heaviest bands are the ones to watch, as they will deliver the greatest rainfall totals, with an additional 0.25 to 0.5 inches possible in the strongest showers. West winds are expected to stay up at 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Drivers should plan for slick roads and be ready for sudden downpours that can quickly cut visibility.
Tonight Into Thursday: Lake-Enhanced Showers
As cooler air moves over Lake Erie, lingering lake-enhanced showers are likely Wednesday night into Thursday, especially southeast of the lake. Out on the water, a Small Craft Advisory stays in effect for the central and eastern basins through noon EDT Thursday. For background on recent rounds of wind and heavy rain, see our May 5 story. Boaters are urged to hold off on nonessential trips, as nearshore waves of 3 to 5 feet are possible in the advisory area.
Looking Ahead
The payoff for today’s mess comes later this week. A warmer, drier stretch is expected from Friday through Monday, with highs climbing into the 60s and then into the 80s by Monday. Isolated storms may pop back up over the weekend, but overall conditions should improve. For now, secure loose outdoor items, give yourself extra time on wet roads, and keep an eye on updated forecasts if you are planning to be outside.
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