Today in Cleveland is starting off warm and muggy, with mostly clear skies, temperatures in the mid 70s, and dew points hanging around a sticky 66. A stationary boundary sliding through the Ohio Valley is expected to drag scattered showers and thunderstorms across the area today, with the best chances from mid-morning through the evening and a high near 83. Any slow-moving storm could drop locally heavy rain and kick up gusty winds, especially in southeastern neighborhoods, so it is a good idea to have a backup plan if you are counting on being outside.
Afternoon Storms And Flooding Risk
The National Weather Service Cleveland is calling for scattered storms this afternoon, and any stronger cell could unload heavy rain and produce strong wind gusts. In the heaviest downpours, visibility could drop to around 2 miles. The same forecast discussion notes that localized flooding is possible where storms stall, and the Weather Prediction Center has placed parts of the Ohio Valley under a slight risk for excessive rainfall. If you are trying to squeeze in a round of golf or an afternoon cookout, keeping an eye on short-term radar will not be a bad use of your data plan.
Tonight And Weekend Outlook
Storm chances fade tonight, dropping to just a slight chance before midnight, with an overnight low near 71 tonight. Tomorrow is expected to turn mostly sunny with a high near 82 and a northeast breeze, offering a brief break from the steamy feel. From Sunday through Tuesday, conditions trend drier and warmer as highs climb into the mid to upper 80s and approach 90 by Tuesday. Heat is set to build early next week as high pressure settles in over the region and parks itself for a bit.
Commuter And Event Tips
For midday and afternoon commuters, plan on giving yourself some extra time, heavy downpours can quickly slow traffic on surface streets and cut visibility on I-71 and other major routes. If you have outdoor events, bring tarps or line up an indoor backup, and secure light furniture since gusts of 255 mph are possible in stronger storms. Boaters on Lake Erie should use caution this weekend as winds and waves are expected to pick up tomorrow afternoon, checking for updates before launching is the smart move.
