Chilly Mornings and Record-Low Temperatures Possible Across Northern Ohio 8/21

Photo byNational Weather Service

A high-pressure system from the Great Lakes brings cooler weather to Ohio, with potential for record-low temperatures.

Cleveland, OH — Issued by the National Weather Service at 3:35 AM EDT on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Cooler Air Mass Brings Unseasonably Low Temperatures to Northern Ohio

A high-pressure system moving in from the Great Lakes is bringing unusually cool temperatures to Northern Ohio and portions of Northwest Pennsylvania this week, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland. The cooler weather is expected to persist through Thursday, with lows dropping into the 40s and 50s, potentially challenging long-standing record low temperatures.

The cooler air, combined with a north-northwesterly flow off Lake Erie, could produce isolated lake-enhanced rain showers this morning, though the chances of precipitation are only around 20%. Toledo, Mansfield, and Cleveland are among the cities where temperatures may come close to breaking records set as far back as the 1940s.

Dry Weather and Cooler Mornings

The National Weather Service forecasts that temperatures could dip as low as 44°F in Toledo, approaching the record low of 44°F set in 1950. Similarly, Mansfield could see temperatures drop near 38°F, close to the record low of 38°F set in 1940.

In addition to the cooler temperatures, expect dry weather through the remainder of the week, with light northerly winds and mostly clear skies. Thursday morning could bring another round of chilly temperatures, with low readings expected to range between the mid-40s and mid-50s across the region.

Warmup Expected by the Weekend

By Friday, the high-pressure system will shift eastward, allowing for a gradual warming trend. Temperatures are expected to rise closer to seasonal averages by the weekend, with highs reaching the upper 70s to low 80s across Northern Ohio. Sunny skies and light winds will dominate, making for a pleasant end to the week.

Potential Record Low Temperatures

Several cities in Northern Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania are forecast to see near-record lows over the next two days. Below are the record cold low temperatures for August 21 and August 22:

• Toledo:
• • Record: 44°F (1950)
  • Forecast Low: 44°F
• Mansfield:
• • Record: 38°F (1940)
  • Forecast Low: 38°F
• Cleveland:
• • Record: 45°F (1950)
  • Forecast Low: 45°F

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