Severe Cold Front Hits NE Ohio with -15 Wind Chills; Major Storm Looms

Northeast Ohio is bracing for another severe cold front, with Arctic air expected to engulf the region starting Friday. This weather pattern brings subzero wind chills and minimal daytime relief through early next week. The frigid temperatures pose serious safety risks and may also influence an impending major winter storm.

Expected Cold Conditions

According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, temperatures will plummet throughout Friday, dropping into single digits by nightfall. Wind chill values could reach dangerous levels as an Arctic air mass descends from Canada. The coldest period is anticipated late Friday into Saturday.

• High temperatures on Friday are projected to be in the lower teens.
• Overnight lows could dip below zero, pushing wind chills around -10 degrees by Saturday morning.
• Wind chill values may plummet to -15 degrees overnight, creating hazardous conditions.

During the peak of this cold front, between Friday and Saturday, the combination of strong winds and low temperatures will significantly increase frostbite risk on exposed skin.

January’s Temperature Trends

This Arctic blast comes after a January marked by erratic temperature swings. Cleveland has experienced numerous days with average temperatures of 10 degrees or below, including a notably cold day with an average of just 7 degrees reported earlier this week.

With this prolonged drop in temperature, residents face risks such as:

• Frozen pipes
• Dangerous travel conditions
• Cold-related health issues

These conditions are particularly concerning for those lacking proper heating or shelter, as well as for energy systems strained by the continuous freezing temperatures.

Preparing for a Major Winter Storm

As the Arctic air settles, forecasters predict that Northeast Ohio could experience measurable snowfall late Saturday into Sunday. The Arctic temperatures will play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming winter storm.

Any snow that falls during this period is expected to accumulate efficiently due to the cold conditions, posing additional challenges for travel into early next week. Current predictions indicate that:

• Accumulating snow is likely, especially east of Interstate 71.
• Exact snowfall amounts remain uncertain and will depend on the storm’s final trajectory.

Forecasters will provide updates on the storm’s path as it moves from the Rockies into the central United States. Residents should prepare for potentially significant winter weather in the coming days.