Arctic Blast Grips Cleveland to Kick Off February

A Frigid Start to the Month

Cleveland residents waking up on this first Sunday of February 2026 are being met with the harshest air mass of the season. As the calendar flips to February, the city remains locked in a bitter arctic grip that has brought sub-zero wind chills and dangerous conditions across Northeast Ohio. While the sky may offer occasional glimpses of the sun, the primary story for today is the extreme cold that will persist through the evening hours.

Morning Forecast: Dangerously Cold Starts

The early morning hours are the most treacherous for those heading outdoors. Temperatures as of 7:00 AM are hovering near 10°F, but the real concern lies in the wind chill. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for the greater Cleveland area until 11:00 AM today. Steady west-northwest winds of 13 to 15 mph are producing wind chill values between -5°F and -15°F. Meteorologists warn that at these temperatures, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. The sky will remain mostly cloudy through the morning, with a few stray lake-effect flurries possible along the lakeshore.

Afternoon Outlook: Struggles to Reach 20 Degrees

Heading into the afternoon, Cleveland will see a transition from mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies. Despite the presence of the sun, do not expect much relief from the cold. The high temperature for the day is predicted to peak at only 18°F between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. High pressure is beginning to move into the region, which will help suppress heavy snowfall but will do little to break the thermal floor. If you are planning to attend Sunday activities or local events, multiple layers, including a hat and gloves, are essential gear.

Evening and Overnight: The Deep Freeze Continues

As the sun sets, temperatures will plummet rapidly. By 8:00 PM, the thermometer is expected to read 15°F, dropping into the low teens by midnight. The sky will clear significantly overnight, which will allow for maximum radiational cooling. Overnight lows are projected to hit a bone-chilling 1°F. Residents are advised to check on elderly neighbors and ensure that pets are brought indoors, as the extended period of freezing temperatures can also pose a risk to household plumbing.

Safety Reminders and Wind Impact

• Wind Speeds: Expect sustained winds from the WNW at 13-14 mph throughout the day, adding a significant bite to the air.
• Precautions: Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle if traveling, as the extreme cold can impact battery performance and mechanical reliability.
• Outlook: This frigid pattern is expected to linger into Monday before a slight warming trend begins later in the week.