Wayne and Holmes Counties are deep into a humid stretch, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (31–33 °C) through Tuesday. While the days remain sticky, the nights will offer mild relief, dipping to the low 70s (21–23 °C).
But this late-July heat isn’t new for Northeast Ohio. Local weather history shows that this week has delivered everything from record-breaking temperatures to devastating storms.
July 25 brought a scorching 104°F (40 °C) in Mansfield back in 1934, while Youngstown saw a chilly 44°F (7 °C) morning in 1953. On the same date in 1900, Akron-Canton was drenched with 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain.
July 26, on a stormy 2005 day, violent thunderstorms rolled in from Lake Erie with winds topping 70 mph. That same day in 1934, Mansfield hit another triple-digit scorcher: 102°F (39 °C).
July 27 of 2003 turned deadly when Stark and Summit Counties faced flooding after hours of torrential rain. Damages in Stark County soared to $52 million.
One of the most notorious summer events hit on July 28, 1993, now known as the Storm of ’93, when a violent windstorm knocked down thousands of trees across northern Ohio.
On July 29, Youngstown hit 101°F (38 °C) in 1941, while Akron-Canton dipped to a frosty 47°F (8 °C) in 1904, and Erie, Pennsylvania, was hit with 3.25 inches (83 mm) of rain in 1918.
July 30, Toledo hit a hot 100°F (38 °C) in 1916, while Mansfield felt a brisk 45°F (7 °C) morning in 1956. That same date in 1942, Toledo soaked up 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain.
Finally, July 31 brings memories of an EF-1 tornado that swept through Wooster in 2009. Erie hit 99°F (37 °C) in 1999, and Akron-Canton endured 2.91 inches (74 mm) of rain back in 1958.
Looking at the current forecast, Friday afternoon will see showers and thunderstorms with a high of 87°F (31 °C). Rain is expected to continue into the evening, with the temperature falling to 70°F (21 °C) overnight.
Saturday will remain unsettled, with scattered thunderstorms after 2 p.m., and a high of 88°F (31 °C). Storms may return again after 8 p.m., as the nighttime low stays warm at 74°F (23 °C).
On Sunday, expect periods of showers and a possible thunderstorm, mostly after 2 p.m., with partly sunny skies and a high near 87°F (31 °C). The evening might stay wet until 8 p.m., with lows dipping to 68°F (20 °C).
Monday will be mostly sunny, though the afternoon brings a chance of thunderstorms. The high will reach 90°F (32 °C), and Monday night will hover near 72°F (22 °C).
Tuesday follows a similar pattern, with sunshine during the day, a high near 90°F (32 °C), and possible storms rolling in by the evening, with lows around 70°F (21 °C).
