40 MPH Winds Likely As Bitter Cold Continues: Ohio Forecast

CLEVELAND — Technically, the first day of spring was March 20. Nearly a week into the season of fresh flowers and blue skies, northern Ohioans are again dealing with biting cold and a fresh dusting of snow.

The winter-like weather blew into the region on Saturday, bringing snow and plunging temperatures to most of Greater Cleveland and beyond. The frigid conditions will continue through Monday and into Tuesday before finally giving way to some seasonally-appropriate weather, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.

On Monday, temperatures won't climb out of the mid- to upper-20s, the forecast said, and winds could hit 40 mph in some places, pushing wind chill well-below freezing. An additional 0.5 inches of snow could fall throughout the day in communities east of Cleveland.

Luckily, temperatures will start to improve on Tuesday. The current projected high is 39 — hardly a balmy day, but a definite improvement over Monday's projected low of 22 degrees.

By Wednesday, spring will make a glorious return to northern Ohio, bringing a dose of showers and temperatures in the mid- to upper-60s, according to forecasts. The rest of the week will bounce between upper 40 degree temperatures and the mid-60s.

Here's a day-by-day forecast for the rest of the week, based on National Weather Service predictions:

Monday — Scattered snow showers in east side communities, though there's little chance of significant accumulation. All precipitation should dry out by 3 p.m. Winds could hit 40 mph throughout the day. Expect a daytime high of 28 degrees and an overnight low of 22.

Tuesday — Blue skies return, even if it's not quite a classic spring day. Little to no chance of precipitation, but temperatures will top out at approximately 39 degrees and will dip to 33 overnight.

Wednesday — A rain and snow mix to open the day, but all snow should become rain by 9 a.m. Showers could continue until approximately 2 p.m. Temperatures will climb rapidly, with a projected high of 66 degrees and an overnight low of 56.

Thursday — Rain is likely before 2 p.m. Temperatures should climb into the mid-60s, but could drop precipitously with an overnight low of 37.

Friday — Currently, there's little chance of rain to end the week, but skies could still be cloudy. Expect a high of 46 and a low of 33.