Early Friday in Cleveland is starting mostly clear and in the low 40s, but the weather is about to turn considerably gloomier. Clouds will thicken through the day, with rain arriving after 2 p.m. and temperatures topping out near 44 degrees.
A north wind around 13 mph will add a chilly edge to the afternoon. Rain chances rise toward evening, setting up a wet Friday night across the city and Northeast Ohio.
Rain Could Mix With Snow Friday Night
Rain is expected to continue Friday night as temperatures slip to around 39 degrees. After roughly 7 p.m., some inland and higher-elevation areas could see the rain mix with wet snow, though Cleveland itself is more likely to stay mainly rainy.
Any snow accumulation should be light and mostly limited to grassy or elevated surfaces, with the best chance for a coating or up to about half an inch farther inland. Forecasters do not currently expect major travel problems from the possible mix, but slick spots could develop if temperatures fall faster than expected.
Why Heavy Rain Can Affect Sewers
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District says heavy runoff can exceed combined-sewer capacity. Relief points are designed to release combined flow to the environment rather than let it back up into homes or treatment plants, according to the district. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said a proposed 2024 modification to its settlement with the district would extend the deadline for additional overflow reductions to Dec. 31, 2034, and require expansion of five of the district’s six deep tunnels.
How to Check for Sewer Overflows
Residents can check the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s CSO notification system for reported overflows. The district says it reports wet-weather overflows at 21 monitored sites and provides dry-weather notifications for all 122 sites; a report of no overflow at one outfall during rain does not rule out an overflow elsewhere.
Wet, Windy Weekend Before A Clearer Turn
Saturday will remain cloudy with rain likely, a high near 46 degrees and northwest winds around 17 mph. Gusts could reach 28 mph, making it a damp and blustery day for outdoor plans around Cleveland.
Sunday brings another chance of light rain with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 47. The unsettled pattern finally breaks Monday, when partly sunny skies and a high around 48 degrees are expected, according to National Weather Service.
Sunshine Returns Next Week
Mostly clear conditions are expected Monday night, with sunshine Tuesday. Temperatures should gradually climb, reaching the low 50s Wednesday and near 57 degrees Thursday.
In short, Cleveland gets one more gray, wet weekend before a much friendlier stretch settles in for the middle of next week.
