Skies are starting out clear in Cleveland today with temperatures hovering near 61°F at local observing sites. It will feel pretty pleasant for much of the morning, but scattered showers are expected to pop up later, with highs climbing into the mid-70s. If you are banking on outdoor plans this afternoon, it is smart to have a quick backup ready, since a few brief but rowdy storms could roll through.
Afternoon Showers And Gusty Bursts
Scattered rain showers are favored between about 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., followed by a chance for isolated showers and a few thunderstorms between roughly 2–4 p.m. West winds should run around 7–14 mph this afternoon and may kick up some stronger gusts at times. A couple of the beefier storms could deliver gusts in the 30–40 mph range, according to the National Weather Service Cleveland. Most neighborhoods will likely only see a few tenths of an inch of rain where showers track overhead.
Sunday Night Into Monday
The main show arrives tomorrow night into Monday, June 21–22, when a broader shield of steady rain is expected to settle over the region. The National Weather Service is calling for widespread rainfall totals of roughly 0.75" to 1.5" across the Cleveland area, with localized heavier bands possible and several hours of consistent rain that could prompt rises on area rivers and cause ponding on poorly drained roads. We first flagged this setup in our June 13 story (Sunday soaker outlook), and more recent guidance has nudged the highest totals a bit north and west while still keeping those multi-hour rain totals in play.
Boaters And Lakeside Plans
Conditions on Lake Erie look increasingly rough tomorrow night into Monday as winds swing around from the east to the northeast and ramp up into the 15–25 kt range. Small Craft Advisories are likely for parts of the lake during that window. If you have boating or lakeside plans, it may be worth delaying or, at the very least, keeping a close eye on updated forecasts before you head out.
How To Prepare
Keep phones set to receive weather alerts and build in some extra time for Monday morning commutes if you need to be on the road. Steer clear of flooded roadways and consider moving valuable outdoor items to higher ground before the steady rain arrives. For official local preparedness guidance and to sign up for county alerts, visit the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management. We will update this page if any watches or warnings are issued.
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