Chills and Flurries: A Bitterly Cold Thursday Grips Cleveland
Chills and Flurries: A Bitterly Cold Thursday Grips Cleveland
Northeast Ohio is waking up to a stark reminder that winter is in full swing. For Thursday, January 22, 2026, Clevelanders can expect a day defined by biting winds, leaden skies, and the persistent threat of light snow showers. As the cold air settles over the Forest City, we recommend keeping the heavy coats and ice scrapers handy throughout the day as temperatures are set to tumble through the afternoon.
Morning: A Snowy, Sub-Freezing Start
The day begins with overcast skies and a "feels like" temperature that will have many reaching for an extra layer. While the actual thermometer reading sits near 29°F at 8:00 AM, a brisk West-Southwest wind makes it feel significantly colder, closer to 14°F. Light snow showers are expected early, with a 35% chance of precipitation through the morning hours. While no major travel delays are anticipated, bridge decks and overpasses may become slick as the light powder settles.
Afternoon: Temperatures on the Decline
Unlike a typical day where the sun provides a midday boost, temperatures in Cleveland will actually begin a slow descent as the afternoon progresses. By 1:00 PM, we expect the mercury to dip to 26°F, continuing down to approximately 24°F by the time the evening commute begins. The wind will remain a major factor, gusting up to 23 MPH, which will keep wind chills in the low teens. The chance for snow persists during the day, though it is likely to remain light and intermittent.
Evening and Overnight: The Deep Freeze Sets In
As the sun sets, the cold air settles in earnest. Evening temperatures will hover around 23°F before dropping to an overnight low near 10°F. The chance of snow decreases to roughly 20% overnight, but the main story will be the frigid conditions and the preparation for even colder air arriving later this week. Humidity levels will stay around 65% to 72%, adding a damp, raw quality to the frozen air.
Safety Alerts and Weekend Outlook
While today’s light snow is manageable, the National Weather Service in Cleveland has already issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire region. This watch is set to take effect Saturday night and last through Monday, with the heaviest snow currently predicted for Sunday. Additionally, weather impact alerts are in place for the coming days as a bitterly cold shot of arctic air is expected to bring dangerous wind chills to Northeast Ohio.
- Today's High: 30°F
- Today's Low: 10°F
- Wind Speed: 23 MPH West-Southwest
- Snow Probability: 35% Daytime / 20% Night