Ohio – Bitter air rides in off Lake Erie this morning, setting up what forecasters call the first true winter surge of December. Flurries have already dusted rooftops in Cleveland, but by Thursday morning, conditions could deteriorate quickly as lake-effect snow squalls sweep through northeast Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, a sharp cold front will trigger bursts of snow between 6 a.m. and noon Thursday, producing 1 to 3 inches of accumulation and sudden drops in visibility. These fast-moving bands can cause whiteout conditions, especially along I-90, Route 2, and the Shoreway corridor.
Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, avoid rapid lane changes, and watch for slick bridges and untreated secondary roads. Gusts up to 30 mph will push wind chills into the single digits, making exposed skin feel raw within minutes.
By Thursday night, skies clear but the Arctic air tightens its grip — temperatures plunge into the lower teens before bottoming out in the single digits away from the lake. Friday stays cold but calm, with highs barely reaching the low 30s under mostly sunny skies.
Meteorologists note this early-December chill is part of a broader polar plunge stretching from Wisconsin to western Pennsylvania. “These lake-effect bursts are short-lived but dangerous for commuters,” forecasters said.
Five-Day Outlook:
• Thursday: Snow squalls, 1–3”, high 29°, wind chills near 0°.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, high 31°, bitter morning cold.
• Saturday: Cloudy, snow showers late, high 34°.
• Sunday: Chance of snow, high 34°.
• Monday: Cloudy, light snow possible, high 33°.
