Honestly, if you just stepped outside in "The Land" this morning, you already know the vibe. It’s that classic January bite that makes you question why we live where the air hurts our faces. The current temperature in Cleveland Ohio is 31°F. But here is the thing about Northeast Ohio weather: that number is a total liar. Because of a 11 mph wind coming off the south, it actually feels like 23°F.
It’s currently nighttime, the sky is partly cloudy, and the humidity is sitting at a heavy 92%. Basically, it’s that damp, bone-chilling cold that seeps through even the best puffer jacket. If you’re heading out to grab coffee or starting an early shift at the clinic, you’re going to want the gloves.
What to Expect for the Rest of Saturday
Don't get too comfortable with the "partly cloudy" status. We are looking at a high of 34°F later today, but the conditions are going to shift. The forecast is calling for snow showers during the day.
We’ve got a 40% chance of precipitation while the sun is up (or at least hiding behind the clouds). By the time we hit tonight, the temperature is going to absolutely crater. We are looking at a low of 15°F.
The good news? The sky should clear up tonight. The bad news? Clear skies in a Cleveland winter usually mean all the heat escapes the atmosphere and we freeze.
Quick Stats for January 17, 2026:
- High: 34°F
- Low: 15°F
- Wind: Southwest at 15 mph
- Daytime Precipitation: 40% chance of snow showers
- Nighttime Precipitation: 25% chance of snow
Why the Current Temperature in Cleveland Ohio Feels Different
If you’ve lived here through a few winters, you know about "Lake Effect" whiplash. Just a few weeks ago, we were seeing massive swings. We had ice coverage on Lake Erie hit nearly 34% around January 5th, and then—boom—a warm front knocked it back down to under 3% by mid-month.
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Right now, the lake is wide open. That matters because when cold air moves over that relatively "warm" open water, it picks up moisture and dumps it on us as snow. That’s why we’re seeing those 40% snow shower chances today even though it's not a major "storm" per se.
It’s also worth noting that we are officially gaining daylight. It doesn't feel like it when you're scraping frost off a windshield at 7:30 AM, but we’re gaining about 28 seconds of sun today compared to yesterday. We’ve actually clawed back about 22 minutes of daylight since the winter solstice back in December. Every second counts when you're living in the gray.
Survival Tips for Today’s 31-Degree Start
Since the current temperature in Cleveland Ohio is hovering right around freezing, the roads can be deceptive.
- Watch the "Black Ice" transition: With a high of 34°F and a low of 15°F, anything that melts today is going to turn into a skating rink tonight. If you're driving home late after a game or dinner, be careful on the side streets in Lakewood or Cleveland Heights.
- Layers are your friend: 31°F isn't "arctic," but with 11-15 mph winds, your core temp drops fast. Stick to a moisture-wicking base layer if you’re doing anything active outdoors.
- Check the humidity: 92% humidity makes the air feel much heavier and "wetter." It’s the kind of weather that makes a 30-degree day feel worse than a dry 15-degree day.
If you’re planning your weekend, just know that this "polar plunge" vibe is sticking around for a bit. We're in that classic mid-January stretch where the "clipper train" brings in reinforcing shots of cold air every couple of days.
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Keep the shovel handy. Even if it’s just a "dusting" of snow showers today, the wind and the dropping temperatures tonight mean whatever falls is going to stick around and get icy fast. Stay warm out there, Cleveland.
Next Steps for Your Saturday:
- Check your tire pressure; these 30-to-15 degree drops usually trigger those annoying "low pressure" sensors.
- Plan your commute for the evening before 8:00 PM to avoid the worst of the refreeze as temperatures dip toward that 15°F low.
- If you're heading to the lakefront, double those wind speed expectations—it'll be gusty.