Northeast Ohio Braces for Record-Breaking Cold Snap

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Some of the coldest air in years is set to grip Northeast Ohio early next week, with temperatures plummeting to single-digit highs and sub-zero lows by Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Wind chill values are expected to drop as low as -10 to -25 degrees from Sunday night through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The frigid conditions come as the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have implemented changes to cold weather alerts nationwide. These updates, part of the Hazard Simplification Initiative, aim to streamline and clarify warnings for extreme cold, wind chill, and freeze events.

Under the new system, Extreme Cold Watch and Wind Chill Watch have been consolidated into a single Extreme Cold Watch, issued when wind chills are expected to reach -25º or colder within 18 to 48 hours. Similarly, Extreme Cold Warning and Wind Chill Warning are now combined into an Extreme Cold Warning, activated when wind chills hit -25º or colder. A Cold Weather Advisory replaces the Wind Chill Advisory, issued for wind chills between -15º and -24º.

Freeze-related alerts have also been simplified. Hard Freeze Watch and Freeze Watch are now a single Freeze Watch, while Hard Freeze Warning and Freeze Warning have been merged into a Freeze Warning. These changes reflect a shift in focus, emphasizing that cold can be dangerous regardless of wind conditions.

“These updated cold weather alerts will now be issued based on the temperature OR the wind chill, and there will be no wind threshold,” the NWS stated. “The goal is to clarify that cold can be dangerous with or without wind.”

Residents are urged to prepare for the extreme conditions by ensuring adequate heating, protecting pipes from freezing, and limiting time outdoors. The Power of 5 Weather Team at News 5 Cleveland will provide continuous updates on the forecast and any issued alerts.

For real-time weather updates, residents can download the News 5 App or the StormShield app for weather alerts on iOS and Android devices.