You Might Be Surprised To Hear The Predictions About Cleveland's Frigid Upcoming Winter
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 11, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
…Or you might not be. Life in Cleveland comes with tumultuous weather, and it’s in our nature to roll with the punches. However, some of us lifelong Clevelanders can’t help but complain when Old Man Winter finally lays his icy grip on the region. And each year, it seems some of us can sense what we’re in for in the upcoming season. There are signs all around us! This year, I’ve noticed my pets are shedding their summer coats earlier in the season. I spotted leaves changing in August, and I smell a certain aroma in the air that tends to come later in autumn. It’s not an exact science, but there are other sources to back this feeling up. The Farmers’ Almanac unleashes an annual extended winter forecast for the U.S., and this year is expected to bring below-average temperatures and snowstorms galore. Read on to see what the Farmers’ Almanac predicts for Cleveland, because you’ll want to prepare for this brutal upcoming season.
Clevelanders are no strangers to snow, and that's good news... the upcoming season is going to be a snowy one, according to the Farmers' Almanac.
The Farmers' Almanac is a long-standing publication that uses a mathematical and astronomical formula to predict what the coming months will bring. The formula is a closely-guarded secret, accounting for historical data, the position of the planets, and even solar activity. In short, it's not always accurate... but it's fun to see what they predict for the coming months!
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This year, the Great Lakes region falls squarely in their cold and snowy zone.
More specifically, we're in the Lower Lakes region, sharing a general climate with Buffalo, Chicago, and Detroit. The Farmers' Almanac predicts that the descent into winter will be slow after a rainy and warm September and October. Then, come November, they predict our temperatures will be slightly lower than normal with slightly above-average precipitation.
When the Farmers' Almanac predicts winter precipitation, we're talking about sleet, ice, and rain.
With cold temperatures predicted, it's likely that this will largely be more-icy-than-mushy precipitation. This aligns with their prediction of frequent snowstorms, so be prepared to bundle up... and double check that it's not time for a new snow shovel. Those might go fast at Marc's.
Storms will also impact the Ohio Valley and Midwest, so be prepared if you're planning on traveling this winter.
Be prepared for a cold one if you're traveling after the New Year! Around the second week of January, storms and snow are predicted for the East and West Coasts.
If road trips are on your to-do list, just a word to the wise... double check that your insurance is up to date.
Unfortunately, TikTok was right on this one... Ohio has the worst drivers in the nation, statistically speaking. Our roads aren't all in great condition, and this reality is amplified in the winter. Take it slow if weather isn't ideal, and always budget a bit of extra drive time for winter road trips. as you never know what traffic conditions may impact your commute.
And if you're hoping for an early spring to bring relief, you might be disappointed.
The North Central U.S. and East Coast are in for storms in early March. Being sandwiched between the two regions, things are looking bleak for Clevelanders hoping to enjoy some outdoor fun.
While we do get an average of around 64 inches of snow each year, it could be worse! At least the views are stunning, whether you're on Lake Erie or in the depths of the Cleveland Metroparks.
And while you're waiting for the snow plows to reach your corner of town, a snowy winter means extra opportunity for at-home fun.
Make snow angels, have a snowball fight, or stay inside wrapped up in a blanket with hot cocoa on standby. While winter can be brutal, there's nothing cozier than cuddling up at home.
On those rare warm winter days, you'll also love how snow transforms our landscape.
Winter hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks is a treat like no other, but the fun doesn't end there. There are also unique winter activities in the area, like tobogganing. This is a season where you can unleash your inner adventurer!
But if the Farmers' Almanac is right, the 2023-2024 season in Cleveland is going to be chilly.
Take advantage of autumn while you can! In a few months, you'll be missing the sunshine and warmth.
If the winter the Farmers’ Almanac predicts for Cleveland pans out, we’ve got some chilly days ahead of us. Take advantage of the season now by checking your HVAC system, washing your winter blankets, and preparing to winterize your home. You won’t regret it!
Want to reminisce on Cleveland winters past? Check out our story on the coldest winter on record… at one point, temperatures stayed below zero for 58 hours!
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