If you’ve lived here for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the 14 day forecast cleveland ohio on a Tuesday, see a "warm" 36-degree day, and by Wednesday morning, you’re digging your car out of a snowbank. It’s basically a local rite of passage. Honestly, Cleveland weather in January is less of a "season" and more of a test of character.
Right now, we are smack in the middle of that classic Great Lakes winter grind. As of today, January 17, 2026, the temperature is hovering at 26°F, but it feels a lot more like 14°F thanks to that 18 mph wind coming off the water. If you’re planning to head out to the West Side Market or maybe catch a Cavs game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, you’re going to want the heavy-duty parka.
The Reality of the 14 day forecast cleveland ohio
People from out of town always ask why we’re so obsessed with the weather. It’s because it’s a moving target.
For the rest of today, we are looking at a high of 36°F and a low of 16°F. But the real story is the snow. There’s a 100% chance of it during the day. It’s that wet, heavy stuff that makes the Shoreway a nightmare. By tonight, it clears up a bit, but the temp drops fast.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things get even chillier. We’re looking at:
📖 Related: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
- A high of only 22°F.
- Constant light snow and snow showers.
- Southwest winds at 13 mph.
Basically, it’s a "stay inside and order a Romanburger" kind of Sunday.
Why Lake Effect Snow Changes Everything
You can’t talk about a 14 day forecast cleveland ohio without mentioning the lake. Lake Erie is relatively shallow, which means it stays open longer and provides a ton of moisture. When that cold Arctic air rushes over the "warm" water, it creates those intense bands of snow that can drop six inches on Mentor while downtown stays completely clear.
Looking ahead to Monday, January 19, that trend continues. The high is 21°F, but the low hits a bone-chilling 7°F. With 24 mph winds, that’s going to feel like the negative digits. If you have any exposed pipes, now is the time to let those faucets drip.
Week Two: The Deep Freeze Sets In
As we move into the second half of this forecast, specifically Tuesday, January 20, through the following weekend, the mercury just doesn't want to move. Tuesday’s high is a measly 19°F.
👉 See also: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
Wednesday, January 21, offers a tiny bit of relief with a high of 32°F, but don't get your hopes up. It’s accompanied by more snow showers. It's that classic Cleveland tease where it warms up just enough to make everything slushy before it freezes solid again overnight.
- Thursday, Jan 22: High 20°F, Low 12°F. More snow.
- Friday, Jan 23: High 26°F, Low 15°F. Cloudy and gray (surprise).
- Saturday, Jan 24: High 19°F, Low 13°F. Snow showers return.
By Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27, we are back into the teens. Highs of 18°F and 16°F respectively. If you’re looking for the sun, you might be waiting a while. We’re averaging about 70% cloud cover this month, which is actually pretty standard for us.
How to Actually Survive This
Honestly, it's about the gear. Skip the trendy puffer jackets that aren't waterproof. You need a shell that blocks the wind.
Layers are your best friend. Start with a thermal base—something like Merino wool if you’re fancy, or just a good synthetic. Add a fleece, and then your outer layer. If you’re walking near the lake, like around the Rock Hall or Voinovich Park, that wind will find every gap in your clothing.
✨ Don't miss: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
And for the love of everything, get some real boots. Your sneakers will be soaked in five minutes, and the salt they use on the roads will ruin the leather anyway. You want something with a rubber lower and good tread.
What to Watch For
The biggest misconception about the 14 day forecast cleveland ohio is that it’s predictable. It isn't. While the data shows a cold, snowy stretch through the end of January 2026, a slight shift in wind direction can turn a "partly sunny" day into a "whiteout" in the blink of an eye.
If you’re driving, keep a small shovel and some sand or kitty litter in the trunk. It sounds paranoid until you’re stuck in a drift at 5:00 PM on I-77.
Keep an eye on the wind chill specifically. The actual temperature is rarely the problem; it's the "feels like" temp that gets you. When we hit those 6°F and 7°F lows early next week, the wind chill will likely be well below zero.
Next Steps for Clevelanders:
Check your tire pressure today—cold air makes it drop fast. If you’re planning travel for the 20th or 21st, keep a close watch on the snow accumulation totals, as those southwest winds are predicted to be at their peak then. Grab some extra salt for your driveway before the next round of snow showers hits tonight.