Cleveland, Ohio – A light veil of wildfire smoke still hangs over the Lake Erie shoreline late Monday morning, muting the skyline while calm weather gives Northeast Ohio a brief pause before stronger thunderstorms move in Tuesday. The quiet conditions won’t last, and forecasters are already watching a cold front that could bring damaging wind gusts and heavy rain during the next round of active weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, no hazardous weather is expected across northern Ohio or northwest Pennsylvania through the remainder of Monday. However, patchy smoke from Canadian wildfires will linger at times, especially during the morning, before gradually improving later in the day. High temperatures will climb to around 84 degrees under mostly sunny skies, making for a warm but generally pleasant afternoon.
The weather pattern changes significantly Tuesday as showers and thunderstorms become increasingly likely. The National Weather Service says strong to severe thunderstorms are possible, with damaging wind gusts identified as the primary hazard. Rain chances climb to 70 percent, and southwest winds may gust to 28 mph outside of thunderstorms.
Motorists traveling along Interstates 90, 71, 77, and 480 should prepare for changing road conditions Tuesday afternoon and evening. Heavy downpours may reduce visibility, while ponding water could create slower travel on major highways. Frequent lightning and isolated hail are also possible in stronger storms, and while the tornado threat appears limited, it cannot be completely ruled out.
By Tuesday night, scattered showers and thunderstorms continue before gradually tapering. Some locations could receive between one-quarter and one-half inch of rain, with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same area.
Behind the front, noticeably cooler air arrives Wednesday. Highs fall to around 74 degrees, accompanied by a refreshing northwest breeze. Sunshine returns Thursday with highs near 77 degrees, extending a comfortable stretch of midsummer weather into the end of the workweek.
Long-range outlooks suggest above-normal temperatures may return later next week, but residents can first expect a refreshing break after Tuesday’s unsettled weather.
Five-Day Forecast for Cleveland, Ohio
- Monday: Patchy smoke with mostly sunny skies. High 84°F.
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 83°F. 70% chance of rain with wind gusts up to 28 mph.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny and cooler. High 74°F.
- Thursday: Sunny. High 77°F.
- Friday: Sunny. High 77°F.
