Ohio – Wet pavement darkens before dawn as colder air rushes in, turning ordinary roads into a quiet threat. A sharp temperature drop sweeps west to east, catching drivers and walkers off guard across Greater Cleveland.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, temperatures fall below freezing early, reaching the low 30s and then the 20s by mid-morning. Rain and melting snow left behind just enough moisture for a flash freeze. Roads, bridges, sidewalks, and parking lots can ice over quickly, especially along the I-75 corridor northward through Cuyahoga County.
The most dangerous window hits early today. Untreated roads along I-90, I-71, and I-480 may look wet but behave slick. Gusty winds add another challenge, reaching 35 to 45 mph at times and pushing vehicles during exposed stretches. Residents should slow down, avoid sudden braking, and use handrails on steps and walkways.
Conditions improve gradually later today as precipitation ends and surfaces dry. Still, cold air lingers. Tonight turns sharply colder, with lows near 20 degrees. Any melted moisture refreezes fast, reopening icy patches after sunset.
Saturday brings calmer weather. Clouds increase with highs climbing into the low 40s, improving daytime travel. Saturday night cools again into the 20s. Sunday stays colder but quiet, with partial sunshine and highs near 31.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, attention turns to early next week. A rain and snow mix becomes possible by Monday night into Tuesday. Meteorologists are watching temperature swings closely. A warm-up follows, but another cold snap later next week could reintroduce winter hazards during peak holiday travel.
Plan extra time today. Watch bridges first. Traveling for Christmas soon? What are road conditions like in your neighborhood?
Five-Day Outlook for Cleveland
- Saturday: Increasing clouds, high near 42
- Sunday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 31
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 36
- Tuesday: Rain and snow chance, high near 44
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, milder, high near 45
