By 5:35 a.m. today, Burke Lakefront Airport was already reporting partly cloudy skies, about 81°F, and a southerly breeze dragging sticky air into the Cleveland metro. That murky start is just the opening act for a hot, humid stretch, with highs near the mid-90s and heat index readings pushing into the low 100s through the week.
What To Expect
The National Weather Service has the region under an Extreme Heat Warning from noon through 8 p.m. Thursday, with heat index readings in some spots expected to climb into the low to mid 100s, according to the National Weather Service. Forecast highs are set to reach the mid to upper 90s tomorrow and Thursday. Overnight lows will hang near the upper 70s, which means very little cool-down once the sun goes down. Most of the area should stay dry through Thursday, with rain and storm chances on the rise Friday and into the holiday weekend.
Where To Find Relief
The city has opened select neighborhood recreation centers as cooling sites with extended hours, including Collinwood, Gunning, Kovacic, Zelma George and Frederick Douglass. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability. For an up-to-date list of locations and schedules, see News 5 Cleveland. If you or someone you know needs transportation or other help getting to a cooler space, dial 2-1-1 or contact the city’s 311 service for local assistance.
Independence Day Outlook
If your Saturday, July 4, plans involve grilling or fireworks, you may want a backup option. The forecast calls for a high near 87°F and a 30 to 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will back off a bit from the midweek scorchers, but humidity will stay elevated, so keep an eye on updated forecasts if you are hosting gatherings.
Stay Safe
Basic heat safety steps go a long way: drink plenty of water, limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day from midday into early evening, and check on older adults or neighbors who may not have air conditioning. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as fainting, dizziness, very high body temperature, or confusion, call 911 right away and move the person to a cooler place.
