Cleveland's St. Patrick's Day Parade Faces Wintry Chill

Early forecasts suggest temperatures could struggle to reach the low to mid 30s, about 15 degrees below normal.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Cleveland's annual St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17 could feel more like winter this year, with early forecasts calling for temperatures to struggle to reach the low to mid 30s - about 15 degrees below the normal high of 47 degrees. The combination of cold temperatures, gusty winds, and a chance of lake-effect snow showers could give the parade a decidedly wintry feel.

Why it matters

While chilly St. Patrick's Day celebrations are not unheard of in Cleveland, with about one in eight years seeing highs at or below freezing, this year's forecast is notably colder than recent years. The cold weather could impact parade attendance and enjoyment, as spectators will need to bundle up to brave the conditions.

The details

AccuWeather is currently forecasting a high of 34 degrees for March 17, with west winds around 14 mph and gusts up to 22 mph. The winds could make it feel much colder, with wind chills in the mid 20s during the parade. There is also a chance for lake-effect snow showers, though any accumulation would likely be light.

  • The Cleveland St. Patrick's Day parade is scheduled to begin at 1:04 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • Over the past decade, highs on March 17 at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport have averaged around 50 degrees, including several springlike St. Patrick's Days.

The players

AccuWeather

A commercial weather forecasting company that provides weather reports and forecasts.

National Weather Service

The primary weather forecasting agency of the United States government.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center will continue to monitor the weather patterns in the days leading up to the parade to provide updated forecasts.

The takeaway

Cleveland's annual St. Patrick's Day parade may face a wintry chill this year, with early forecasts calling for temperatures well below normal. Spectators will need to dress warmly to enjoy the festivities, as the combination of cold, wind, and potential snow could make for a chilly celebration.