Ohio – Wet pavement reflects low winter light across northeast Ohio as a quiet start gives way to a rapidly strengthening system. What feels manageable early quickly turns raw and blustery, with rain, snow, and powerful winds lining up just as year-end travel accelerates.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, hazardous weather is not expected early, but conditions change fast beginning Sunday. Rain spreads into the region through the day, then mixes with and changes to snow as colder air arrives Sunday night. Wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph are likely from Monday morning through Monday evening.
Cleveland, Lakewood, Euclid, and communities along the lakeshore face increasing travel issues late Sunday into Monday. Snow becomes more persistent after the changeover, with minor accumulations possible but blowing snow reducing visibility. Gusty onshore winds may cause brief whiteout conditions on exposed stretches of I-90, Route 2, and the Shoreway.
Plan ahead if traveling Sunday evening. Wet roads cool quickly as temperatures fall toward the lower 20s by Monday morning. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, and slush can harden into slick patches before plows fully catch up. To be fair, snow totals stay modest, but wind-driven impacts raise the risk level.
Monday stays cold, windy, and unsettled, with snow lingering into the day. Conditions slowly improve Monday night as winds ease. Cold air remains locked in through midweek, shaping New Year’s Eve plans with wintry air and scattered snow chances. New Year’s Day 2026 looks cold but quieter.
Meteorologists continue tracking additional lake-enhanced snow chances through the final days of December. More alerts may follow.
Traveling Sunday night or Monday? How strong were the winds where you drove?
Five-Day Weather Outlook – Cleveland, Ohio
Sunday: Rain likely, breezy, high near 59
Sunday Night: Rain changing to snow, windy, low near 36
Monday: Snow likely, very windy, high near 39
Tuesday: Chance of snow, colder, high near 29
Wednesday (New Year’s Eve): Chance of snow, high near 32
