Cleveland is getting one warm, mostly sunny day before a wetter and windier stretch moves in. The city is expected to reach the upper 60s to around 70 degrees this afternoon.
Warm Thursday Gives Way To Storms
Most of Thursday should stay dry, with east winds near 7 mph and only a small chance of rain during the day. Showers may begin between 7 and 11 p.m. Thursday, followed by a better chance of thunderstorms later overnight as warmer, more humid air moves in.
Some overnight storms could produce wind gusts near 50 mph. The National Weather Service says the strongest storms are expected to remain limited, but residents should bring in loose outdoor items and watch for changing conditions Thursday night.
How Forecast Gusts Compare With Severe Storms
The National Weather Service Cleveland office sets its severe-thunderstorm wind threshold at 58 mph. A forecast gust near 50 mph falls short of that wind criterion, though other storm hazards remain possible.
For comparison, a separate Northern Ohio storm outbreak on June 18, 2025—not an autumn event—brought widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph, an 81 mph gust at Lorain County Regional Airport and tornadoes, according to NWS Cleveland. Those reported winds and impacts were more severe than the gusts currently forecast.
Friday Brings Heavy Rain And Strong Winds
Rain showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected Friday, with rainfall totals around half an inch to nearly an inch. West winds around 18 mph could gust to 30 mph, making for a rougher commute and blustery conditions around the lakefront.
Friday night will turn colder and windier, with northwest winds reaching 22 mph and gusts up to 37 mph. Additional rain showers are possible, especially around Cleveland and south toward Akron, before conditions begin improving Saturday.
Cold Weekend Ahead Before Sunshine Returns
Saturday starts with a chance of lingering showers before skies turn mostly sunny, but temperatures will struggle to reach 52 degrees. Saturday night could fall near 40 in Cleveland, while inland areas farther from the lake may see frost and some freeze conditions Sunday morning.
After the chilly weekend, the forecast settles down. Sunday through Wednesday brings mostly sunny or sunny skies, with afternoon highs generally in the low to mid-60s and no meaningful rain expected.
