Cleveland, Ohio — A prolonged stretch of dangerous cold will continue through the weekend across Northern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania, with wind chills dropping as low as 10 to 25 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
Forecasters say the region remains locked in an arctic air mass that will keep daytime highs stuck in the teens while overnight lows fall near or below zero. When combined with light to moderate winds, these temperatures will produce life-threatening wind chill values, especially during overnight and early morning hours through Sunday.
The coldest conditions are expected late at night into the mornings, when wind chills could repeatedly fall into the -10°F to -25°F range. The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and the risk of hypothermia increases rapidly without proper precautions.
Travelers along major corridors including Interstate 90, Interstate 71, Interstate 77, Interstate 75, and Interstate 480 should be prepared for hazardous conditions, as extreme cold can affect vehicle performance, reduce tire pressure, weaken batteries, and worsen conditions on untreated roads. Even without snowfall, prolonged cold can cause black ice to persist, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
In addition to personal safety concerns, officials note that extended periods of temperatures averaging 16°F or lower increase the likelihood of burst pipes, power issues, and other infrastructure impacts. Residents are urged to protect plumbing, ensure furnaces are functioning properly, and avoid using unsafe heating sources.
Vulnerable populations — including the elderly, young children, and those without reliable heating — face elevated risk. Officials encourage residents to check on neighbors and family members, bring pets indoors, and limit outdoor exposure as much as possible.
The National Weather Service advises continuing to monitor forecast updates as the cold persists through the weekend, with gradual moderation expected early next week.
