If you stepped outside early this morning in Hall of Fame City, you probably felt that familiar bite. It was a crisp 29 degrees right around sunrise, and with the wind kicking up, it felt a whole lot more like 19. Honestly, it’s that classic Northeast Ohio trick where the thermometer says one thing but your frozen ears tell you another. But don't let the morning chill fool you into thinking the whole day is a wash.
The weather in Canton Ohio today is actually shaping up to be a bit of a roller coaster, swinging from freezing dawn temperatures to a surprisingly mild afternoon. We are looking at a projected high of 47 degrees. That’s nearly twelve degrees above the historical normal of 35 for mid-January. It’s not exactly tropical, but compared to the -9 degree record low set back in the late seventies, we’re doing alright.
The Afternoon Warm-Up and Those South Winds
Expect the clouds to hang around for most of the day. While we might see a few peeks of sun before lunch, the sky is going to get increasingly moody as the afternoon progresses. The real story isn't just the temperature, though; it’s the wind.
We’re expecting sustained south winds between 15 and 20 mph. That sounds manageable until you realize the gusts could hit 35 mph. If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle down I-77 or just trying to keep your trash cans from migrating to the neighbor’s yard, you’ll definitely feel it. This warm push from the south is exactly what’s driving our temperatures up into the mid-40s, but it’s a double-edged sword because it’s also bringing in the moisture we’ll see later tonight.
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Hourly Breakdown: What to Expect When
- Morning (8 AM - 12 PM): Mostly cloudy and breezy. Temperatures will climb steadily from the low 30s into the low 40s.
- Afternoon (1 PM - 5 PM): Hitting that peak of 47 degrees. This is your best window to get outside, even if it's just to run errands without a heavy parka.
- Evening (6 PM - Midnight): Temperatures stay relatively steady in the upper 30s, which is unusual for a January night in Stark County.
Why the Humidity and Pressure Matter Right Now
The barometer is currently sitting around 30.01 inches and falling. For anyone who deals with sinus pressure or joint pain, this shift usually signals that a change in the weather is imminent. Humidity is hovering around 72%, making the air feel a bit heavy despite the wind.
Basically, we are in the "calm before the storm" phase—though "storm" might be a strong word for what's coming tonight. It's more of a damp, messy transition. By the time most people are heading to bed, specifically after midnight, the chance of rain jumps to about 30%. It’s not a washout yet, but the ground will be wet by the Wednesday morning commute.
Looking Ahead: The Wednesday Reality Check
Enjoy the 40s while they last. Tomorrow, the weather in Canton Ohio takes a sharp turn back toward reality. We’re expecting a 100% chance of precipitation on Wednesday. It starts as rain in the morning, but as a cold front slams through, that rain will transition into snow by the late afternoon.
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The National Weather Service is currently projecting about a half-inch of snow accumulation for Wednesday, which doesn't sound like much until the temperatures crater. We’re going from a high of 41 on Wednesday morning down to a low of 14 degrees by Wednesday night. That’s a 27-degree drop in just a few hours.
Stark County Winter Normals vs. Today
| Metric | Today's Forecast | Historical Normal |
|---|---|---|
| High Temp | 47°F | 35°F |
| Low Temp | 29°F | 21°F |
| Wind Gusts | Up to 35 mph | 12-15 mph |
Survival Tips for Today’s Conditions
Since the weather is transitioning from dry and "warm" to wet and freezing, there are a few things you should probably handle before sunset.
First, check your gutters. If they’re clogged with leftover autumn debris, the rain tonight followed by the flash freeze Wednesday night will create ice dams that are a nightmare to deal with later in the week. Second, if you have sensitive outdoor plants that you’ve been "wintering over," make sure they are covered or brought in by tomorrow evening.
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The wind chill on Thursday is expected to hit 1 below zero. That is a massive swing from the 47 degrees we’re enjoying this afternoon. It’s the kind of weather that leads to a lot of dead car batteries and burst pipes if people aren't paying attention.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Secure loose items: With 35 mph gusts expected this afternoon, anything not tied down on your porch or patio will likely end up in the street.
- Fuel up now: Don't wait until the rain-to-snow transition tomorrow afternoon to hit the gas station; the lines will be long and the pumps will be freezing.
- Prepare for a "Flash Freeze": Since tonight will be wet and tomorrow night will be 14 degrees, expect black ice on side streets like Cleveland Ave or Fulton Dr by early Thursday morning. Salt your walkways late tomorrow evening after the rain stops but before the deep freeze sets in.