Cleveland, Ohio – Wind chills as low as 26 degrees below zero are expected across Northeast Ohio early Saturday, prompting an Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory as an Arctic front moves through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, temperatures will drop sharply Friday evening as strong northwest winds usher in dangerously cold air. The coldest conditions are expected between 1 a.m. and noon Saturday, when wind chills will reach their lowest levels across much of the region.
In the Extreme Cold Warning area, which includes parts of northeast Ohio near Lake Erie, wind chills may fall to -26 degrees, especially near exposed areas along I-90 from Cleveland to Erie. Surrounding counties under a Cold Weather Advisory can expect wind chills as low as -20 degrees, including locations along I-77 near Akron, I-80 near Youngstown, and US-30 and US-250 corridors.
Northwest wind gusts of up to 40 mph Friday night will significantly increase heat loss, raising the risk of frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. The National Weather Service notes that very cold wind chills may briefly ease Saturday afternoon but are expected to return Saturday night into early Sunday.
These conditions pose increased risks for anyone spending extended time outdoors, including motorists, outdoor workers, and individuals without adequate heating. Drivers along major routes such as Interstate 90, Interstate 77, and Interstate 80 should be prepared for extreme cold if stranded or delayed.
This cold outbreak may especially affect early-morning commuters, weekend travelers, and students, as the most dangerous conditions coincide with peak overnight and morning hours.
Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit outdoor exposure, check on vulnerable individuals, and monitor updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.
