Cleveland, Ohio – A developing February thaw is set to spread across the Great Lakes region by Thursday morning, when temperatures rise above freezing across multiple states, triggering snowmelt, slushy roads, and changing travel conditions from the lakeshores inland.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a warm front moving into the region late Wednesday night will lift daytime highs above 32 degrees across Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The milder pattern is expected to persist through much of the Feb. 13–19 period, with temperatures running above seasonal averages for several consecutive days.
In Michigan and northern Ohio, highs climbing into the mid to upper 30s will accelerate melting of accumulated snow, especially near Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Slushy conditions and standing water are likely on secondary roads and untreated surfaces, including stretches of I-94, I-75, and US-23.
Across Ohio and western Pennsylvania, including Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Erie, the warming trend raises the potential for a rain or rain-snow mix as temperatures hover just above freezing. The Ohio Department of Transportation and PennDOT warn that major corridors such as I-80, I-90, I-70, and I-79 could see slick spots during the morning and evening commute, particularly on bridges and overpasses where meltwater refreezes after dark.
The milder pattern is expected to hold into early next week. Additional advisories may be issued as precipitation timing becomes clearer and overnight refreeze risks develop across parts of the Great Lakes region.
