Cleveland is waking up to a blustery start, with winds already on the move under partly cloudy skies and temperatures sitting in the upper 60s to low 70s. A Wind Advisory runs through 6 p.m. today, and those afternoon gusts are poised to make commutes a bit of an adventure. Conditions at the beach and on the lake will turn hazardous later today, so you may want a backup plan that does not involve waves.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
West to southwest winds will ramp up through the afternoon, with sustained speeds around 20 to 30 mph and gusts commonly in the 35 to 40 mph range. Along exposed stretches of the Lake Erie shoreline, gusts could roar as high as 50 mph, strong enough to knock down smaller tree limbs and send any unsecured lawn furniture on a short trip. According to NWS Cleveland, the Wind Advisory remains in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday, and they urge, "Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects."
Beaches And Boats
Large waves and strong rip currents are expected along the lakeshore through this evening, with open-water seas forecast to build to 6 to 8 feet in the central and eastern basins and 4 to 6 feet in the western basin. Swimmers should stay out of the water, and small-craft operators are advised to avoid heading offshore while the winds are cranked up. If you had plans at Lakeshore Parks or beaches, shift them inland or postpone until conditions calm down.
What This Means For Your Day
Plan for gusty crosswinds during the afternoon commute, and build in a little extra time if you can. Give high-profile vehicles plenty of space, since they will feel the wind the most. Around the house, secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and patio gear, and try not to park under large, leafy trees where branches could come down. Winds should relax quickly near sunset, easing back to roughly 5 to 10 mph this evening.
Looking Ahead
The cool, breezy pattern sticks around into the weekend, with afternoon highs mainly in the 70s. Periodic showers are possible on Sunday, and the best chance for more organized rain and thunderstorms arrives by Monday, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans. We will update this space if any advisories or warnings change.
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