Cleveland, OH – A powerful arctic outbreak is expected to bring extreme cold and dangerous wind chills across Ohio and Pennsylvania this weekend.
According to the NOAA National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, frigid air combined with strong winds will overspread the Ohio Valley and western Pennsylvania beginning Friday evening. The coldest conditions are expected from late Friday night through Sunday, with wind chill values dropping to around minus 20 degrees in many areas.
Across northern and central Ohio, including Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, and Toledo, temperatures are forecast to fall into the single digits and below zero overnight. Gusty winds will push wind chill values into the minus teens and minus 20s, creating life-threatening conditions for prolonged outdoor exposure. Similar conditions are expected across western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Erie, and Butler.
Daytime highs over the weekend are expected to remain in the teens or lower, offering little relief. Wind chills may remain below zero even during daylight hours, particularly Saturday and Sunday.
Travel conditions could be affected along major corridors including I-90, I-80, I-71, I-77, and I-79. While widespread snowfall is not the primary concern, brief snow squalls are possible, especially downwind of Lake Erie. These squalls can cause sudden drops in visibility and quickly icy road conditions.
The Weather Prediction Center warns that the extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite in as little as 15 to 30 minutes on exposed skin. The cold may also strain heating systems and lead to frozen pipes, particularly in poorly insulated structures.
Commuters, students, and weekend workers are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, and plan ahead for hazardous cold conditions. Those traveling should carry winter emergency kits and monitor road conditions closely.
A gradual warming trend is expected to begin early next week, though temperatures are forecast to remain below seasonal averages.
