Cleveland is waking up to light rain and mid-70s today, but the real action is lined up for later in the day. A second, more organized round of showers and thunderstorms is expected this afternoon, with the main threats being damaging wind gusts and brief, heavy downpours. The highest risk for severe weather is along and east of I-77, including parts of the Mahoning Valley.
Storm Timeline And Main Threats
A chance of rain showers is expected between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. today, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more widespread by late morning and lasting into the early evening. Forecasters say the peak storm window runs from about noon into mid-afternoon. New rainfall amounts of a quarter to a half inch are possible in the heavier bands, and stronger cells could produce gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range or higher. According to NWS Cleveland, temperatures will fall into the mid-60s as the front moves through.
East Of I-77 In The Crosshairs
Confidence is increasing for isolated strong to severe storms along and east of I-77. The primary hazard will be damaging straight-line winds, and an isolated, embedded tornado cannot be entirely ruled out. The most concerning corridor stretches into the Mahoning Valley and nearby communities where storms could line up and intensify. For background and an earlier look at Sunday’s setup, see this Sunday soaker preview.
Tonight’s Cooldown And A Busy Week Ahead
Showers should taper tonight with lows near 57°F for much of the area tomorrow. Monday will trend cooler, with highs around 69°F. A more potent system is expected late Wednesday into Thursday, June 17 to 18, 2026, and could bring additional rounds of heavy rain along with a very windy period featuring sustained winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts possibly over 45 mph. Boaters and lakeshore residents should monitor headlines later this week for potential Small Craft Advisories and beach impacts.
Staying Safe As Storms Roll Through
If you have outdoor plans this afternoon or evening, move activities indoors where possible, allow extra time for commutes, and avoid driving through standing water. Secure loose patio furniture, charge phones in case of brief outages, and check updates from NWS Cleveland and local media before heading out.
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