Cleveland, OH – Wind whips off Lake Erie this morning as a powerful December cold front digs into northeast Ohio, bringing wet snow, biting gusts, and a true taste of winter. The National Weather Service in Cleveland warns that a rain-to-snow transition could make roads slick across the region by late today, especially for drivers along I-90 and I-480.
Southwest winds up to 40 mph are expected, adding to low visibility in snow showers. Temperatures will tumble into the 20s by tonight, setting the stage for icy spots on bridges and untreated roads. Commuters should plan extra travel time, particularly through Geauga, Ashtabula, and Lake counties, where lake effect snow could persist into the weekend.
By Friday, the air turns sharply colder — highs will struggle to reach 32°F, and lows drop into the teens. Periods of lake effect snow may bring several inches to higher elevations east of Cleveland through Sunday, while wind chills dip below zero in the early mornings.
Meteorologists are also watching a clipper system arriving Saturday, which may reinforce the cold air and add light snow across northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania.
Five-Day Outlook (Cleveland, OH):
- Thursday: Cloudy with snow chances, high 31°F, low 23°F.
- Friday: Scattered snow, high 32°F, low 21°F.
- Saturday: Lake effect snow likely, high 28°F, low 16°F.
- Sunday: Breezy and cold, high 24°F, low 13°F.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, chance of flurries, high 34°F.
