CLEVELAND, Ohio – Thick gray clouds blanket Lake Erie this morning as a sharp early-winter blast bears down on northeast Ohio. Air temperatures hover in the low 40s, but colder air racing south promises a dramatic switch from rain to snow within 24 hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Tuesday morning for Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Summit, Portage, Trumbull, and Ashtabula counties. Heavy lake-effect snow bands could bring rapid accumulations of 2 to 5 inches, with isolated pockets seeing more where snow squalls persist. Winds gusting above 30 mph may create whiteout conditions at times, especially along the I-90 corridor from Lorain to Ashtabula.
Travel Monday could become treacherous, with reduced visibility and slick pavement during both commutes. Power crews are also on alert—wet, heavy snow clinging to trees still holding leaves may snap branches and cause sporadic outages. Residents are urged to secure outdoor decorations, keep devices charged, and allow extra travel time for school drop-offs and early Veterans Day events.
By Tuesday, snow gradually tapers but cold air lingers. Highs will struggle to reach 40 degrees before midweek sunshine slowly rebuilds late Wednesday into Thursday. Longer-range guidance hints at another round of colder air approaching before Thanksgiving—an early sign that this year’s lake-effect season may be both early and active.
For now, Cleveland and the Lake Erie shore brace for a true winter preview: biting winds, heavy snow bursts, and a reminder that November’s chill can hit fast and hard.
Five-Day Forecast for Cleveland, OH:
Sun: 48/32 – Rain changing to snow mix; breezy, colder late.
Mon: 38/28 – Snow; 2–5″ possible; blowing snow, difficult travel.
Tue (Veterans Day): 40/32 – Chance snow showers; still breezy, cold.
Wed: 47/37 – Mostly sunny; calmer, milder afternoon.
Thu: 50/38 – Partly cloudy; light winds, late-fall comfort returns.
