Cleveland, Ohio – A mid-January warm-up could bring periods of rain to northern Ohio while increasing the risk of freezing rain and icy travel conditions inland as temperatures fluctuate near freezing.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, northern Ohio is favored to see above-normal temperatures during the January 9–13 period, while precipitation trends near normal. This pattern often supports rain near Lake Erie while colder air lingers longer across interior counties and higher terrain.
Areas south and east of Cleveland, including Medina, Portage, and Geauga counties, may face the greatest risk for freezing rain, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. Even light ice accumulation could create hazardous travel on I-71, I-76, Route 8, and untreated secondary roads.
Closer to Lake Erie, including Cleveland, Toledo, and Sandusky, precipitation is more likely to fall as rain, limiting snow potential but leading to wet roadways and reduced visibility during heavier showers. Brief temperature drops at night could still allow isolated icy spots on bridges and overpasses.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor changing conditions closely and allow extra travel time during the period. Additional advisories may be issued as confidence increases closer to mid-January, especially if colder air becomes more entrenched across interior sections of northern Ohio.
