Honestly, if you stepped outside in Akron this morning, you probably didn't need a weather app to tell you it’s freezing. It is.
Specifically, it's 11°F right now. But that number is kinda lying to you. Because of a 6 mph wind coming out of the southwest, the actual "feels like" temperature is a brutal 1°F. It’s the kind of cold that bites your face the second you walk out the door to start your car.
Despite the bite, the sky is clear for the moment. No snow is falling as of 7:45 AM, though the humidity is sitting at 66%. If you’re heading out for a morning coffee run or taking the dog for a quick (very quick) walk, you’ve got clear conditions, but you’ll want every layer you own.
The Sunday Forecast: Sunshine Before the Shivers
We’re looking at a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation for the rest of Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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The high is only going to hit 20°F. That’s it. Even with the sun coming out later this morning, we are staying well below freezing. It’ll be mostly sunny before lunch, which is a nice break from the grey overcast we usually deal with in Summit County during the winter. But don't let the blue skies fool you into thinking it's warm.
By tonight, things shift. The temperature is dropping back down to 11°F, and the clouds are moving back in. We’re expecting snow showers to develop after midnight.
Breaking Down the Snow Risk
Basically, there’s a 25% chance of snow overnight. It’s not a blizzard, but it’s enough to make the Monday morning commute a bit of a headache. The wind is also expected to pick up slightly to 10 mph from the southwest.
If you remember the storm from a few days ago on January 15—where ODOT had to send out 950 crews across the state—you know how fast things can turn. While today isn't that level of chaos, the National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on the lake-effect bands that often clip Akron and the surrounding areas like Cuyahoga Falls and Barberton.
What’s Coming This Week?
Looking ahead, Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) looks even colder. We might see the mercury drop to around 13°F in the afternoon with wind gusts hitting up to 35 mph. That puts wind chill values in the "danger zone" of 13 below zero.
If you're planning on attending any local events or ceremonies, honestly, reconsider any long periods outdoors. Frostbite can happen in under 30 minutes when you're dealing with double-digit negatives in the wind chill department.
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- Sunday Day: High 20°F, Sunny, 0% precip.
- Sunday Night: Low 11°F, Snow showers possible (25% chance).
- Monday: High 20°F (dropping to 13°F), Wind gusts to 35 mph, 70% chance of snow.
Most people think Akron winters are just about the total inches of snow on the ground. But really, it’s the wind off the lakes and the rapid temperature drops that catch people off guard. One minute it's a "mild" 20 degrees, and the next, a gust makes it feel like you’re standing in a freezer.
Practical Steps for Akronites Today
Since we’re looking at a 70% chance of snow by tomorrow morning and temperatures staying in the teens, here is what you should actually do today:
- Check your tire pressure. Extreme cold like this makes the "low pressure" light pop up, and you don't want to be filling tires in a 1-degree wind chill tomorrow morning.
- Salt the walk now. If you have any lingering ice from the Jan 15 storm, get it clear today while the sun is out.
- Prepare for a slow Monday. If you have to work or travel tomorrow, expect the snow showers to make the I-77 and Route 8 merge even more of a mess than usual.
- Watch the pipes. If you live in one of Akron’s many beautiful older homes with less-than-stellar insulation, keep the cabinets under your sinks open tonight to let the warm air circulate.
The current weather in Akron Ohio is stable for the next few hours, but the Arctic air is definitely settling in for a stay. Stay warm, keep the de-icer handy, and maybe just stay inside with some local sauerkraut balls and a movie tonight.
Keep a close eye on local radar if you're traveling south toward Canton or north toward Cleveland, as these lake-effect bands are notorious for being hyper-local—one street is dry, and the next is a whiteout.