CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lake Erie will turn dangerous for swimmers and boaters Thursday as a strong rip current risk builds along the Ohio shoreline. At the same time, thunderstorms overnight Wednesday could bring slick roads and minor flooding for early commuters.
According to the National Weather Service Cleveland office, showers and thunderstorms will develop late Wednesday and linger into early Thursday. Rainfall totals may reach a quarter inch in some neighborhoods, and isolated downpours could slow traffic along I-90 and Route 2 through Cuyahoga and Lake counties. Boaters should use caution, with waves creating hazardous swimming and small craft conditions through Thursday.
Cleveland can expect highs in the mid-80s Wednesday before cooling into the 60s by Friday, marking the first signs of fall weather. Winds will gust up to 26 mph Thursday, especially near the lakeshore, further intensifying wave activity. By Friday, conditions improve with mostly sunny skies, offering a calmer setup for outdoor activities and high school football games across Northeast Ohio.
Residents should avoid unnecessary water activities Thursday and prepare for wet commutes early in the day. Keep phones charged in case of power flickers from lightning and secure outdoor items that could blow around in strong winds.
The weekend looks calmer, though scattered showers may return Saturday morning before clearing for a sunny Sunday. Temperatures remain seasonable with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s into early next week. More advisories may be issued if lake conditions remain dangerous past Thursday.
Five-Day Forecast for Cleveland, Ohio:
- Thursday: Showers and storms early, high near 86. Rip current risk on Lake Erie. Low around 54.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 76. Low around 54.
- Saturday: Morning showers possible, high near 68. Low around 53.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 66. Low near 52.
- Monday: Mostly clear, high near 73. Low near 54.
