Cleveland is waking to clear skies Thursday, with temperatures in the upper 50s early and sunshine lifting the afternoon high near 68. West winds of 9 to 14 mph will keep it breezy, but rain stays out of the picture through Saturday.
The National Weather Service outlook calls for dry weather Thursday through Saturday. Friday is expected to reach near 70 after an overnight low around 51. Saturday brings the warmest afternoon of the stretch, near 78 under mostly sunny skies, though clouds will thicken later.
Weekend Rain Arrives Late Saturday
Rain is expected to begin late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Rain is expected to become widespread Sunday, with a 90% chance of showers, possible thunderstorms, cloudy skies and a high near 68.
The Sunday rain is tied to moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias, which the National Weather Service expects to bring widespread precipitation to the region late Saturday night through Sunday. The heaviest swath is forecast along and south of Route 30; projected totals range from about half an inch near Toledo to just over an inch closer to Central Ohio. Forecasters also see a low-end thunderstorm threat, mainly in Central and Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland forecast discussion says flooding is not expected at this time.
Sunday night remains unsettled, with precipitation chances continuing. The wetter outlook is a notable update from Hoodline's earlier Cleveland forecast; the National Weather Service says flooding is not expected at this time.
Lake Erie Boaters Face Windier Conditions
West-northwest winds of 15 to 20 knots continue on central and eastern Lake Erie Thursday morning. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for nearshore waters off Cleveland until 4 p.m., with eastern nearshore waters under the advisory until 8 p.m.; conditions should improve Friday and Saturday.
The advisory reflects hazardous conditions for small boats, not a land-based weather warning: the National Weather Service cites west winds around 15 knots and waves of 3 to 5 feet in the nearshore waters from Avon Point to Willowick. Farther east, waves may occasionally reach about 6 feet. The agency advises inexperienced mariners, especially those in smaller vessels, to avoid navigating in hazardous conditions while the advisory is in effect. The active marine alert identifies the affected waters and expiration times.
Columbus Day Starts Damp Then Turns Cloudy
Columbus Day is expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 72; the current point forecast does not list daytime showers. Monday night has a 50% chance of showers after 2 a.m. Tuesday brings a 50% chance of showers, partly sunny skies and a high near 67.
By Wednesday, the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 60, with no rain chance listed in the current point forecast. For Clevelanders planning outdoor time, the best window is Thursday through Saturday afternoon; Sunday is the day to keep an umbrella and a backup plan close.
