Ohio – The cold hits hard before sunrise as Lake Erie sits locked in ice and sidewalks crunch under frozen boots. Breath fogs instantly, and exposed skin feels the sting within minutes as Arctic air holds firm across northern Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, temperatures dropped to near 5°F early with calm winds masking how dangerous the cold still feels. Wind chills plunged as low as minus 5, especially near the lakeshore and open areas. Officials warn that another very cold night follows, with many locations dipping near or below zero again.
Through the day, sunshine offers little relief. Highs reach only the mid-teens, and melting remains minimal. Shaded roads, sidewalks, and parking lots stay icy, particularly where earlier snow compacted and refroze. Drivers along I-90, I-71, and I-480 should watch for slick patches that linger well into the afternoon.
Tonight brings clearer skies and renewed cold. Temperatures slide back toward zero, increasing the risk of flash freezing where any daytime melting occurred. Limit time outdoors, cover exposed skin, and check on vulnerable neighbors and pets.
Relief finally starts Monday. Clouds increase, but highs rebound into the upper 20s. That warming trend continues Tuesday, when Cleveland climbs near 40°F under partly sunny skies. Winds pick up from the west, gusting over 20 mph at times, but the air feels dramatically less harsh.
Midweek stays quieter but seasonable. Wednesday holds near the low 30s, followed by another dip Wednesday night. Additional light snow chances appear later in the week, though impacts remain uncertain.
Looking ahead into the 6–10 day window, signals point toward a broader thaw across the Midwest and eastern U.S. Even with Lake Erie nearly frozen solid, warmer air looks ready to push north, slowly easing February’s grip.
For now, treat the cold seriously, allow extra time for travel, and stay weather-aware. How cold did it feel where you stepped outside this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Cleveland, Ohio
• Today: Mostly sunny, high 15°F
• Monday: Increasing clouds, high 29°F
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, windy, high 40°F
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 31°F
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 27°F
