Cleveland, Ohio – A colder, more active pattern is emerging across Ohio as December begins, prompting a December Snow Alert while winter in Cleveland turns increasingly unsettled. While it’s too early to determine exactly how many inches of snow could fall, one thing is certain: Ohio is positioned for an above-average amount as the month trends colder and stormier.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, below-normal temperatures are favored statewide through December, with near- to above-normal precipitation likely across northern Ohio. According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, this setup supports frequent early-winter systems along with lake-effect snow capable of producing rapid accumulation east of the city, especially in the higher terrain of Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties.
According to ODOT, hazardous travel is expected to increase along I-90, I-71, I-480, and snow-prone corridors near the Lake Erie shoreline. Quick bursts of heavy lake-effect bands, black ice, and sudden drops in visibility may slow both the morning and evening commute. Drivers should keep winter kits stocked, check tire pressure, and allow extra stopping distance on untreated roads.
Holiday events across Northeast Ohio—including parades, markets, and community tree-lightings—may face brief delays if lake-effect bands or clipper systems align with evening activities. Residents should dress in layers, secure outdoor decorations, and prepare for isolated outages if wetter snow or gusty winds begin to stress tree limbs and power lines.
Though exact snowfall totals remain uncertain, long-range indicators point toward a colder, storm-supportive pattern — raising confidence that Ohio is heading for a snowy December and improving the odds of a White Christmas for parts of the state.
