Cleveland winters aren't just a season; they're a personality trait. Honestly, if you’ve lived here long enough, you know that the local weather report for Cleveland Ohio is less of a "forecast" and more of a "suggestion" by Lake Erie.
Tonight, January 17, 2026, the city is sitting under a partly cloudy sky with a current temperature of 18°F. But that number is a total lie. Thanks to a 12 mph wind cutting in from the west, the "feels like" temperature is actually a biting 5°F.
The immediate breakdown for Cleveland
If you’re heading out tonight, you’re looking at a 5% chance of snow, which basically means you might see a stray flake or two under the streetlights, but nothing that's going to ruin your commute. The humidity is hanging high at 77%, making that cold air feel a lot heavier than it would in a dry climate like Denver.
Earlier today, we hit a high of 35°F, which felt almost balmy compared to the 13°F low we're dipping toward tonight.
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What to expect tomorrow and beyond
The lake is still relatively warm compared to the air, and that’s the engine for our local chaos. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, things get a bit more "Cleveland." We’re looking at a high of 23°F and a low of 15°F.
- The Snow Factor: There’s a 45% chance of light snow late in the day.
- The Wind Chill: With winds hitting 11 mph, expect a wind chill around 11°F.
- The Monday Outlook: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is looking even colder, with a high of only 24°F and a low of 10°F.
Why the lake effect still matters
Most people think "Lake Effect" just means a lot of snow. It’s actually more about the temperature contrast. When that freezing Canadian air screams across the open waters of Lake Erie, it picks up moisture and heat. This creates those narrow, intense bands of snow that can bury one neighborhood in six inches while the next town over sees nothing but sun.
Current marine forecasts show southwest winds at 15 to 20 knots, which are churning up waves occasionally reaching 7 feet. That's a lot of energy sitting right off the coast of Edgewater Park.
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Is this January "normal" for us?
Historically, January 29 is the coldest day of the year in Cleveland. We usually see highs of 34°F and lows of 22°F. Right now, we’re tracking slightly below those averages.
Interestingly, while we often complain about the gray, January is statistically the cloudiest month of the year here. We only get about 30% of possible sunshine. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, it’s not just the cold—it’s the fact that the sun is basically a myth until April.
Surviving the 216 freeze
You've probably heard it a million times, but layers are the only way to win this game. With the humidity at 90% some mornings, that damp cold seeps through denim like it’s not even there.
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- Check the wind, not the temp. An 18°F day with no wind is a walk in the park. An 18°F day with 20 mph gusts is a health hazard.
- Watch the lake bands. If you see "Lake Effect Snow Warning" on the news, take it seriously. Those bands move fast.
- Humidity is the enemy. Use a moisturizer. The high humidity outside combined with dry furnace heat inside will wreck your skin.
Basically, keep your salt bucket by the door and your scraper in the front seat. The next few days are going to be a classic Northeast Ohio stretch—cold, gray, and just snowy enough to keep things interesting.
Next Steps for Clevelanders:
Check your tire pressure tonight; these 20-degree temperature swings usually cause the "low pressure" light to pop on. If you're commuting Monday morning, give yourself an extra 15 minutes for de-icing, as that Sunday night snow is expected to stick.