Honestly, if you live in Northeast Ohio, you’ve basically accepted that the sky is going to be various shades of "steel wool" for the next three months. We just survived a heavy snow storm yesterday that dumped enough powder to trigger Level 2 and Level 3 snow emergencies across Cuyahoga and Erie counties. But if you think you’ve seen the worst of it, you’re only half right. The weekly forecast for cleveland ohio is shaping up to be a relentless, shivering marathon rather than a one-time sprint.
It’s cold. Really cold. Currently, we’re sitting at 19°F, but that southwest wind at 11 mph is making it feel more like 7°F. That’s the kind of cold that bites your face the second you step out of the house.
The Lake Effect Engine Won’t Quit
People often think a snow storm happens and then it’s over. Not here. Lake Erie is currently sitting at 34°F off the coast of Cleveland. Because the water hasn't completely frozen over yet—it’s only "mostly ice covered" in patches—that relatively warm water is feeding the cold air moving over it. That’s the recipe for the lake-effect snow showers we’re seeing today, Friday, January 16.
Expect a high of 34°F today, which sounds almost tropical compared to the 19°F we had earlier. But don't let the "thaw" fool you. We have a 67% chance of snow during the day. By tonight, the temperature drops back to 20°F.
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Saturday is looking like a carbon copy of today. High of 34°F, low of 17°F. Snow showers will linger, mostly because the wind is staying in the southwest at about 17 mph. If you're planning on hitting the West Side Market or grabbing coffee in Tremont, give yourself extra time. The roads are still recovering from yesterday's heavy snow, and these persistent showers keep things slick.
Sunday and Monday: The Deep Freeze
Things get weirdly quiet but much colder as we head into early next week.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The high only hits 23°F. It'll be a gray, light snow day.
- Monday, Jan 19: This is when the bottom drops out. We’re looking at a high of 19°F and a bone-chilling low of 5°F.
The wind is the real story on Monday. We’re expecting gusts up to 24 mph from the southwest. If you have any exposed pipes in your basement or a drafty mudroom, Sunday night is the time to prep. A low of 5°F with those winds is exactly when things start to freeze and burst.
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Midweek Brightness (With a Catch)
By Tuesday, January 20, we might actually see the sun. It’s forecast to be mostly sunny during the day. Don't get too excited, though—the high is only 18°F. It’s that deceptive Cleveland winter sun that looks beautiful through a window but feels like needles on your skin if you actually go outside.
Then, the "clipper" systems start back up. Wednesday and Thursday (Jan 21-22) will see the return of snow showers. Temperatures will hover in the 20s.
Honestly, the weekly forecast for cleveland ohio is a perfect example of why locals keep a shovel in the trunk and a heavy coat on a hook by the door until May. There isn't a massive "Snowpocalypse" on the horizon for the next few days, but the consistency of the snow and the plummeting temperatures mean the salt trucks are going to be busy.
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What You Should Actually Do
Since the temperatures are dipping into the single digits by Monday night, take five minutes to check your tire pressure. Cold air makes the pressure drop, and the last thing you want is a "low tire" light while driving through lake-effect squalls on I-90.
Also, if you're a homeowner, make sure your salt supply isn't clumped into a giant rock in the garage. With the constant freeze-thaw-freeze cycle between 34°F and 5°F this week, your driveway is going to turn into a skating rink by Tuesday morning.
Clean off your entire car—not just a tiny circle on the windshield. With the wind speeds we're seeing, that "roof snow" is going to blind the person behind you on the Shoreway. Stay safe out there.
Next Steps for the Week:
- Drip your faucets Sunday night when the temp hits 5°F to prevent frozen pipes.
- Check your car battery; these single-digit lows are notorious for killing older batteries.
- Clear your exhaust vents of any drifting snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside your home.