Wind sweeps across Lake Erie this morning, carrying streaks of snow that blur the Cleveland skyline and coat cars in a thin white crust. Drivers along I-90 and Route 2 are urged to use caution — snow squalls may briefly reduce visibility as an Arctic cold front tightens its grip on northern Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a quick 1 to 3 inches of lake-effect snow is expected today, especially in Ashtabula and Erie counties. While accumulations will be light, gusty winds up to 30 mph could blow snow sideways, creating slick and unpredictable stretches during the morning and early afternoon commute.
Temperatures will plunge into the teens by evening, with wind chills near or below zero in open areas. Conditions will stay dangerously cold into Friday morning, when the region wakes to single-digit lows away from the lakeshore.
Friday remains cold but calmer, with highs near 31°F under mostly sunny skies. The weekend stays brisk — Saturday brings highs in the 30s with scattered flurries, and Sunday could see another round of lake-effect snow as winds shift northwest.
Meteorologists are watching early signs of a more active pattern December 11–17, when another blast of Arctic air could fuel additional Great Lakes snow — just as holiday travel ramps up.
Plan extra time if traveling today or early Friday. Expect slick bridges, reduced visibility, and freezing wind chills. Bundle up, keep your distance on roadways, and check on elderly neighbors as the early winter chill settles in.
Five-Day Outlook (Cleveland, OH):
- Thursday: 1–3″ lake-effect snow, gusts to 30 mph, high 31°F, low 14°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 31°F, low 22°F.
- Saturday: 30% chance snow showers, high 36°F, low 28°F.
- Sunday: Cloudy, 40% chance snow, high 34°F, low 21°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 34°F, continued cold trend.
